On November 5, Cape Verdean President José Maria Neves renewed his call for the timely replacement of officials whose mandates have expired, emphasizing the importance of new appointments in national institutions.
Speaking at the opening of the judicial year at Praia’s Palace of Justice, Neves urged political leaders to reach consensus on these renewals, stressing that extended terms should remain an exception.
Neves highlighted the principle that heads of constitutional bodies, who are not directly elected, should continue only until successors are named to ensure continuity. However, he noted that several officials have had their mandates extended for years due to political stalemates or procedural delays.
The president argued that democratic integrity requires regular renewal of mandates, with extensions limited to a “reasonable” transition period. His comments came after his office sought to annul a Court of Auditors report on irregular presidential expenses, arguing that its judges lacked legitimacy after their mandates expired in November 2023.
Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva responded by acknowledging the challenge of achieving parliamentary consensus for key appointments, citing the National Elections Commission as an example. He stressed that officials must remain in office until successors are confirmed to maintain institutional continuity.