Cape Verde President Jose Maria Neves has announced his intention to seek a second five-year term in the country’s November election. Neves, who served as prime minister from 2001 to 2016 before winning the presidency in 2021, said he wants to continue pursuing long-term national causes that extend beyond a single term. Following his announcement, National Assembly president Janira Hopffer Almada will serve as interim head of state during the two-month campaign period. Cape Verde’s presidential candidates are nominated by individuals rather than political parties, although parties can endorse them. Neves is seeking backing from the African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde, which he once led, as well as broader support. The Atlantic archipelago is widely regarded as one of Africa’s democratic success stories, having had relatively peaceful elections since 1991.