Cape Verdean voters surveyed today by Lusa in the city of Praia point to employment, health, and security as priority issues in the campaign for the legislative elections in Cape Verde, which begins on Thursday.
“Youth employment should be a priority, especially in a context of difficulties entering the labor market,” Nilsa Tavares, a young entrepreneur in the aesthetics sector, told Lusa. The topic is mentioned recurrently: “The debate should focus on unemployment and even more regarding help for young people,” said Cisiane Gomes, a student. “There are many unemployed young people and that is an important subject,” said José de Pina, a farmer.
Meanwhile, merchant Zenaida Martins complained about an increase in so-called “petty crime” in some areas of the city, stating that the situation affects the daily lives of workers. “There are people who work every day and are attacked,” she lamented.
In general, voters argue that election campaigns should focus more on solutions instead of vague promises or exchanges of accusations between parties.
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Teacher Ana Cardoso considered that there is a distance between political discourse and the real needs of families. “It is not enough to make a pretty square. The most important thing is to improve the living conditions of families,” she affirmed.
The teacher also criticized the current model of election campaigns, advocating for greater accountability in the presentation of proposals. Ana Maria, a street vendor, criticized the recurring failure to keep promises: “They promise many improvements, but then they don’t do them.”
Farmer José de Pina also highlighted health as another major concern, advocating for more investment and attention to the sector to avoid Cape Verdeans “having to go to Dakar,” the capital of Senegal, 700 kilometers away, to seek treatment. “It is possible to have better health here, there just needs to be more attention,” he concluded.
Voters also consider that election debates should be closer to the reality of communities, with a greater focus on practical measures that can respond to the economic and social difficulties felt daily.
Cape Verde will hold legislative elections on May 17.
