Paulo Veiga formally announces his candidacy for the leadership of the MpD and promises to bring the party closer to its members
MpD presidential candidate Paulo Veiga formally announced his candidacy for the party leadership today, stating that he is the best choice to strengthen ties with party members and promote internal renewal.
The nomination documents were submitted by Celso Ribeiro, the candidate’s representative, at the party’s national headquarters in the city of Praia, in the presence of Paulo Veiga.
The candidate stated that this formalization marks a new phase in his candidacy, now that the formalities required by the electoral regulations have been completed.
Paulo Veiga said he intends to convince party members that he represents “the best option” to lead the MpD, advocating for a party that is closer to its members and more attentive to the concerns of Cape Verdean society.
According to the candidate, his candidacy gathered more than 200 signatures—the minimum number required by the party’s internal regulations—from all electoral districts across the country and the diaspora.
Paulo Veiga stated that he intends to build a leadership style based on dialogue and participation, arguing that party members want a party where “every member has a voice and a say.”
He also advocated for the party’s renewal, combining the founders’ experience with greater participation by young people in the governing bodies.
If elected, he said that one of his first steps will be to reorganize the party, conduct a general membership census, and utilize new technologies to strengthen the connection between the MpD, its grassroots, and civil society.
As he explained, the membership database has not been updated through a general census since 2013.
Paulo Veiga also stated that he intends to promote a party based on the debate of ideas and expressed his willingness to work with the other candidates after the internal elections, should he be elected.
An MpD member for 25 years, Paulo Veiga served as Minister of the Sea.
The MpD’s internal elections will take place on September 6, and the National Convention is scheduled for September 25–27 in the city of Praia.
In addition to Paulo Veiga, Herménio Fernandes and Luís Filipe Tavares are running for the party leadership. Orlando Dias, initially announced as a candidate, withdrew last week and declared his support for Paulo Veiga.
Inforpress
