The head of the ECOWAS observer mission for the Cabo Verde election, former Gambian vice-president Fatoumatta Jallow-Tambajang, has arrived in Praia before the presidential vote on 15 November.
She landed on Tuesday 10 November and told reporters she had no particular concerns about the poll, according to a statement from the Economic Community of West African States. The bloc is fielding about 80 observers across the archipelago.
Who is observing the Cabo Verde election?
ECOWAS said 20 long-term experts from member states have been deployed on all the islands since 3 November. Its long-term mission was authorised by the commission president, General Birame Diop, the statement said. A short-term mission of about 60 observers will follow, supported by a situation room.
The experts have met the National Electoral Commission, the media regulator ARC and a platform of non-governmental organisations. Francess Piagie Alghali, the commissioner for political affairs, peace and security, leads the technical team and held co-ordination meetings on 9 and 10 November.
What did the head of mission say?
“We are here to help them conduct the election and to live up to the expectations, which are peaceful, inclusive and transparent elections,” Jallow-Tambajang said. She described Cabo Verde as “a serene country” and said observers would work beyond the capital: “We want to hear every voice from every part of the country.”
She led the bloc’s mission to Togo in 2024, the statement said.
What happens after the vote?
The mission will observe the Cabo Verde election before, during and after polling and issue a preliminary statement after election day, ECOWAS said. Tourism has driven Cabo Verde’s economy in recent years.
FAQ
When is the Cabo Verde election?
The presidential election is scheduled for 15 November 2026.
How many ECOWAS observers are deployed?
Twenty long-term experts are in place and about 60 short-term observers are due to join them, ECOWAS said.
Who leads the ECOWAS mission?
Fatoumatta Jallow-Tambajang, a former vice-president of The Gambia.
