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Cape Verde

Republic of Cabo Verde

Civil law (Portuguese tradition)Unitary semi-presidential republicReviewed· 2026-08-03
Capital
Praia
Population
600,000
Languages
Portuguese, Cape Verdean Creole
Currency
CVE

Cape Verde · Government

Government and administration in Cape Verde

How the executive, legislature and administrative state are organised, and which body is responsible for what.

The three branches

Head of State — President of the Republic
Five-year term, renewable once; promulgates and may veto laws.
Executive — Prime Minister and Council of Ministers
Accountable to the National Assembly.
Legislative — National Assembly
Unicameral, 72 members.
Judicial — Judiciary and Constitutional Court
Superior Council of the Judiciary governs the career.

How legislation is made

Bills are debated in general and in detail by the National Assembly, voted, then sent to the President for promulgation. The President may veto or request prior constitutional review by the Constitutional Court.

Enforcement institutions

National Police
Civilian policing across the islands.
Public Prosecution Service
Ministério Público directs criminal investigation.
Judiciary Police
Criminal investigation of serious offences.

Government bodies and regulators

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