Local government, which evolved from the mid-1980s onwards and is laid down in the Constitution of 1992, is part of a long standing tradition in Cape Verde. The current institutional division is formed by seventeen districts and thirty-one municipalities. Voters residing in the respective municipalities elect an assembly with deliberative and executive powers. The size of the assembly depends on the size of the population in the municipality, and is elected for a period of five years most recently in May 2008.
Â
The democratization process in Cape Verde, which took flight in 1990 with the introduction of a multiparty system, has been very dynamic. For example the constitution was altered no less than six times, most recently in 2010. These efforts have led to discernable international recognition of Cape Verde’s achievements in the field of democracy, the fight against corruption and human development. Local communities are crucial for the success of this process, for example a national ombudsman has been instated who has the right to cooperation of all agencies of the state. Through this ombudsman citizens can access records, administrative files and have the possibility to access judicial means in order to protect their rights. Also the Association Nationale des Municipalités du Cap Vert (ANMCV) lobbies for the position of municipalities and provides training for municipal officials in Cape Verde and other countries.
Â
Recent developments in the democratization process of Cape Verde focus primarily on increasing transparency of policy making and execution. The introduction of the national ombudsman and e-governments are examples of this. In turn, through these growing possibilities for citizens to keep track of their government opportunities for empowering local populations and governments are provided.
|
