The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament says it is pleased with Cape Verde’s commitment to free, fair, and peaceful election.

The ECOWAS Parliament made this known after concluding its fact-finding mission to Cape Verde ahead of the country’s 17 October presidential election.

The ECOWAS Parliament delegation, headed by the Rt. Honourable Dr. Sidie Mohamed Tunis, concluded its Fact-Finding Mission to the Republic of Cape Verde, on Saturday, 25th September 2021.

Cape Verde is a stable democracy with competitive elections and periodic transfers of power between rival parties. The last election held in 2016 was considered free and fair by observer groups.

Freedom House rated the island nation as free in its 2020 Freedom in the World study of political rights and civil liberties worldwide, with the country earning 92 out of a possible 100 points.

‘Generally, I must say we are very much pleased with the level of preparedness of the country for the elections and also the peaceful nature of the people of Cape Verde’, Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Sidie Mohamed Tunis, said.

‘Owing to information gathered from all candidates, we can safely conclude that we will have a free, fair and transparent election that will be followed by a smooth democratic transition in Cape Verde’.

The ECOWAS delegation, it is understood, engaged with the presidential candidates. They all expressed commitment to accept the will of the people and ensure a peaceful election.

‘We [do not] believe in violence in Cape Verde, we support the process and continue’, the ECOWAS Parliament quoted one of the candidates, Carlos Veiga, as saying.

Source: ECOWAS

Photo source: Timo