Democracy Day

Every year on January 13th, the Republic of Cape Verde observes Democracy Day as a national holiday. This holiday honors the first democratic elections in this African island nation, which took place on this day in 1991. This is one of the most famous festivals in Cape Verde.

Cape Verde is now one of Africa's most democratic countries, ranking 26th in the world Democracy Index. It wasn't always like this. Cape Verde obtained independence in July 1975, following the 1974 revolution in Portugal. The African Party for Cape Verde's Independence (PAICV) came to power and formed a one-party state. It wasn't until 1990 that the PAICV discussed constitutional amendments and the formation of a genuine opposition political party, the Movement for Democracy, in response to a growing call for democracy (MPD).

On September 28th, 1990, the one-party state was abolished, and the first multi-party elections were held on January 13th, 1991. The MPD gained the most seats in the elections, while António Mascarenhas Monteiro, the MPD's presidential candidate, defeated the PAICV's nominee.

Date: January 13th