National Assembly Cape VerdeEdit
The National Assembly of Cape Verde, known in Portuguese as the Assembleia Nacional de Cabo Verde and in English as the National Assembly, is the unicameral legislative body of the republic. Located in Praia on the island of Santiago, it brings together deputies elected to represent the diverse islands and municipalities that make up the archipelago. The assembly operates under the constitution and a framework of laws that organize how laws are proposed, debated, and enacted, and how the executive is held to account.
Legislative authority rests with the assembly, which enacts statutes, approves the national budget, and oversees the work of the government. The body also has a role in ratifying international agreements and in shaping the country’s legal and institutional framework. Members are chosen through proportional representation in multi-member constituencies, and they serve four-year terms. The presidency of the assembly, the committee system, and the plenary sessions structure the legislative process and provide avenues for debate on topics ranging from the economy and education to foreign policy and public administration. Cape Verde Parliament Constitution of Cape Verde
History
Cape Verde’s legislature has its roots in the country’s journey to independence and the political evolution that followed. After gaining independence in 1975, the country operated for several years under a one-party system led by the African Party for the Independence of Cabo Verde, or PAICV. The move to a multi-party system in 1990 marked a turning point, introducing competitive elections and a broader spectrum of political contestation. Since then, the National Assembly has functioned as the arena where electoral results translate into governance, with deputies from multiple parties participating in lawmaking, oversight, and the management of national affairs. The constitutional framework has undergone changes to reflect evolving democratic norms, constitutional rights, and the balance between the branches of government. PAICV MpD UCID Constitution of Cape Verde
Structure and composition
The National Assembly is composed of 72 deputies elected to four-year terms. Seats are allocated through proportional representation, using party lists within a system of multi-member constituencies that correspond to the country’s islands and municipalities. This design aims to reflect the geographic and demographic diversity of Cape Verde while promoting representative government and stable governance. The major political groupings historically have included the PAICV, the MpD, and UCID, with smaller parties and independent deputies playing roles in regional and issue-specific coalitions at various times. The assembly is presided over by an elected Speaker, with deputies forming standing committees that scrutinize legislation, monitor government activity, and prepare reports for plenary consideration. PAICV MpD UCID Parliament
Elections and electoral system
Deputies are chosen through proportional representation in multi-member districts, with a four-year cycle between elections. The electoral framework seeks to balance nationwide political participation with island-based representation, ensuring that the legislative body mirrors the country’s geographic and demographic variety. The National Electoral Commission and related institutions oversee the conduct of elections, voter registration, and the accreditation of results. The system allows for the emergence of both large parties and smaller groups, enabling a spectrum of policy proposals to reach the floor of the National Assembly. National Electoral Commission MpD PAICV Constitution of Cape Verde
Functions and procedures
Within its constitutional remit, the National Assembly debates and votes on draft laws, scrutinizes the actions of the government, and approves the national budget. It can request information from executive agencies, conduct inquiries through parliamentary committees, and hold ministers to account for policy outcomes. In addition to domestic governance, the assembly reviews international agreements and participates in parliamentary diplomacy as part of Cape Verde’s engagement with regional and global partners. The legislative process typically involves committee examination, public consultation where appropriate, and multiple readings before a final vote in plenary. Parliament Budget Constitution of Cape Verde Foreign Affairs
Controversies and debates
As in many democracies, the National Assembly has been the subject of debates about efficiency, transparency, and accountability. Supporters emphasize that a stable, participatory legislature is essential for credible economic management, steady investment, and adherence to the rule of law. Critics—across different political currents—often call for stronger oversight of public finances, anti-corruption measures, and greater openness in government contracting and public procurement. Debates also touch on the pace and scope of reform in areas such as public administration, education, and the business environment, with different factions advocating varying mixes of market-oriented reforms and social protections. The balance between prudent public stewardship and policy innovation remains a central theme in legislative discourse. Cape Verde PAICV MpD UCID Constitution of Cape Verde