The weight of silence, chronic inaction, and the lack of responses from Representative Ivone Cardoso

Ivone Cardoso’s apathy toward communication is not a recent phenomenon or the result of parliamentary chance. Throughout her career in local politics—first as a councilwoman on the Brava City Council and now as President of the Municipal Assembly—the current lawmaker has accustomed the public to an almost invisible presence in the media landscape. By systematically staying out of the debate on social media and avoiding appearances in the local and national press, Cardoso has cemented an image of detachment, shying away from the public exposure that the responsibilities of her offices demanded.

While this attitude already drew criticism in local government, in the National Parliament her silence takes on the contours of a serious dereliction of duty. Elected with the commitment to represent the people of Brava in the highest chamber of Cape Verdean democracy, Ivone Cardoso is expected to adopt a combative stance, actively listening and engaging in constant dialogue with civil society and the media. However, so far, the pattern remains unchanged.

On the Bravanews channel—one of the community’s primary sources of information and a platform for public engagement—the representative has repeatedly avoided answering key questions about her term in office. The voters of Brava remain unaware, in a clear and transparent manner, of Ivone Cardoso’s true plan of action in Parliament, how she intends to defend the island’s interests, and whether she will fulfill her campaign promise to maintain direct and ongoing contact with the people.

The seriousness of this stance became even more evident during the recent maritime transport crisis that affected the island of Brava. At a time when the population was facing isolation, mobility constraints, and direct impacts on the local economy, the voice of the MpD representative was once again conspicuous by its absence. In a climate of uncertainty where political leadership demanded a firm stance, pressure on the executive branch to provide solutions, and clarification for the public, what was heard from Ivone Cardoso was, once again, silence.

Representing an island with the specific challenges of Brava requires more than simply attending plenary sessions or voting in line with party discipline. It requires providing explanations, engaging with opposing viewpoints, and using the visibility of the office to amplify the aspirations of a population that must not be forgotten.

Media outlets, such as Bravanews, remain open and available to give due space to opposing viewpoints and allow the representative to speak to the community. It is now up to Ivone Cardoso to decide whether she will continue to be held hostage by an evasive stance or whether she will fully assume the responsibility of her office, bearing in mind that the people of Brava demand transparency, a visible presence, and, above all, a strong voice on their behalf.

MS