Cabo Verde is a stable democracy with competitive elections and periodic transfers of power between rival parties. Civil liberties are generally protected, but access to justice is impaired by an overburdened court system, and crime remains a concern. Other outstanding problems include persistent inequities for women and migrant workers.

• Municipal elections were held in December, and the left-leaning opposition African Party for the Independence of Cabo Verde won control in 15 municipalities, compared with seven for the ruling center-right Movement for Democracy. No major disruptions were reported, though the electoral commission submitted a small number of complaints on alleged violations to the prosecutor’s office. In total, five parties and five independent candidates participated in the elections, and about 47 percent of the candidates were women.
• Allegations of corruption continued to garner attention during the year. Several investigations into possible malfeasance in the Praia municipal government were ongoing, and in July law enforcement agents searched the offices of the country’s Tourism Fund. In August, the General Inspectorate of Finance found that a salary paid to the first lady, Débora Carvalho, from her husband’s inauguration as president in 2021 until the payments were suspended in late 2023, had been illegal and should be returned; prosecutors opened an investigation into the case in December.

This report has been abridged for Freedom in the World 2025 due to ongoing budget constraints. Freedom in the World is entirely funded by nongovernmental sources such as private foundations, corporations, and individuals like you. Please consider making a donation to support future editions of this vital resource.

For additional background information, see last year’s full report.