Cabo Verde presidential challenger Joana Rosa called for political change and stronger protection of citizens’ rights at her final campaign rally in Praia, as she seeks to become the country’s first female president.
Footage filmed on Friday shows supporters waving flags and cheering as Rosa takes the stage alongside her campaign team ahead of Sunday’s election.
“I am going to vote for Joana Rosa because she is competent and has the ability to govern Cabo Verde. I ask all young people to go vote on the 15th for candidate Joana Rosa, and not to let anyone decide for them,” one supporter said.
“Besides being the first woman in the history of the country to run for office, which is already a milestone, she is a competent person. She has already held several political offices, is sociable, and during the last debate she proved her competence,” another attendee said.
Rosa, a former justice minister backed by the opposition Movement for Democracy (MpD), pledged to uphold constitutional checks and balances and defend citizens against discrimination, abuse and political partisanship.
“We need to have someone with a firm voice. Someone who is attentive and capable of using the powers granted by the Constitution to ensure the balance of the system, and who guarantees the safeguarding of citizens’ rights, guarantees, and freedoms,” Rosa told supporters.
“Change in the Presidency of the Republic, change to reclaim lost fatherhood, change to contribute to the proper functioning of institutions, change to eliminate partisanship in society and the State,” she declared.
Six candidates are contesting the November 15 election, including incumbent Jose Maria Neves, who is seeking a second five-year term.
If no candidate secures an absolute majority, the presidency will be decided in a second round.
Source: Viory
