Nowadays Cape Verde is one of the most democratic nations in Africa and ranks 26th in the world Democracy Index. That wasn’t always the case.  

Following the 1974 revolution in Portugal, Cape Verde gained its independence in July 1975. The African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV) came to power and established a one-party system. 

It wasn’t until 1990 when a growing call for democracy saw the PAICV discuss constitutional changes and the creation of a credible opposition political party, the Movement for Democracy (MPD). 

The one-party state was abolished on September 28th 1990, and the first multi-party elections were held on January 13th 1991. 

In the elections, the MPD won the most seats and MPD presidential candidate António Mascarenhas Monteiro defeated the PAICV’s candidate.