Africa-Press – Cape verde. The parties with seats in parliament highlight the democratic gains achieved by Cape Verde and warn of the challenges that persist for the full development of the country and the consolidation of citizenship, 34 years after the first free elections were held in the country.
The position expressed in the solemn session of 13 January, held today in parliament, in celebration of Freedom and Democracy Day.
Celso Ribeiro, leader of the MpD parliamentary group, states that in view of the threats of the current global context, Cape Verdean democracy must be more effective in responding to the needs and aspirations of citizens.
“Our economy must overcome the challenges of production and productivity, so that more and better jobs can be created and families’ incomes can increase, so that economic growth can translate into a more balanced distribution of income and a growing improvement in the living conditions of the population (…) Our democracy must be more effective, efficient and efficient in providing quality universal public services, with equity and justice”, says João Baptista Pereira, leader of the PAICV parliamentary group, points out that the celebration of Democracy and Freedom Day offers an opportunity to assess the state of democracy. “Democracy must go hand in hand with development. It must translate into the creation of conditions favourable to progress, the continuous improvement of living conditions and the well-being of all Cape Verdeans. Cape Verde needs to generate sufficient jobs and income, especially for young people, thus addressing immigration as a consequence of economic constraints. Democracy only fulfils its true purpose when it translates into continuous progress, raising the quality of life and promoting the social well-being of all”, he highlights. For the president of UCID and national deputy, João Santos Luís, Cape Verde faces the challenge of combining its historical responsibility with the challenges of development, and stresses that democracy requires constant vigilance.
“Ensuring that the fundamental principles that shaped this nation remain firm and unshakable. (…) The construction of a full democracy in Cape Verde requires constant vigilance, a renewed commitment to transparency, the fight against corruption, inequality and marginalization, social justice and civic education. It is essential to create a culture of respect for human dignity, through the promotion and experience of the values of freedom, justice, equality, solidarity, cooperation, tolerance, diversity and peace”, he argues.
The parties with seats in parliament expressed concern about the high abstention rate that has marked the last elections. In their speeches, they also paid tribute to the protagonists who “fought for the conquest of freedom and democracy”.
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