PAICV president challenges suspension without disciplinary proceedings against Jorge Lopes

The president of the African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV - opposition), Rui Semedo, expressed this position on the controversy surrounding the dismissal of militant Jorge Lopes, during the meeting of the party's National Council, which was supposed to schedule the Congress and the direct elections for the new leader.

Confronted with the temporary suspension of Jorge Lopes, the still president said that "you can't suspend a militant without a disciplinary process" and that, so far, "Jorge Lopes hasn't committed any disciplinary infractions".

According to Rui Semedo, Lopes has only exercised his right to question and request verification of proceedings, something that any activist is free to do within party rules.

The PAICV leader also stressed that the decision of the Jurisdiction Commission, a body he likened to an "internal court" of the party, will be evaluated, but will not be publicly commented on by him.

Semedo also clarified Jorge Lopes' role in managing the party's database, denying that he had any formal responsibility.

"The secretary-general is statutorily responsible for managing the database. Jorge Lopes only provided technical support at his invitation," he explained.

The party president also considered that Lopes' removal from this role, although unnecessary from a disciplinary point of view, may have been motivated by ethical reasons or to avoid "more noise".

It was concluded that the decision of the Jurisdiction Commission was taken at the request of an internal candidacy and that it will be dealt with naturally and with respect for the institutional mechanisms of the PAICV.