Democracy Day in Cape Verde
Cape Verde marks 13 January as the Day of Freedom and Democracy, a national public holiday. It recalls the first multiparty elections in the country, held on 13 January 1991, and the move away from one-party rule.[1]
A turning point in Cape Verde’s history
After independence, Cape Verde’s political system followed a one-party model. Political opening was announced in 1990, and a constitutional amendment that September established political pluralism and created the framework for competitive elections.[2]
The first legislative elections under a multiparty system took place in January 1991, followed by presidential elections in February. Cape Verde’s government describes the January vote as free and democratic and says it ended 15 years of one-party rule. The date is now remembered as a milestone in the development of the country’s democratic state.[1][2]
A national public holiday
The government states that Law No. 95/V/99 established 13 January as a national holiday called the Day of Freedom and Democracy. The observance is fixed to 13 January each year.[1]
The holiday has a formal parliamentary observance. Under Law No. 4/IX/2016, the National Assembly convenes a special commemorative session that is open to the public and broadcast live on public radio and television. Representatives of parliamentary parties, the Assembly’s president and the president of the Republic speak at the session.[3]
How the day is observed
The official parliamentary session provides a regular public occasion to mark the date. At a session reported by the National Assembly, the national anthem was sung before a parliamentary representative delivered the first address. The Assembly described the event as commemorating the 1991 multiparty elections and Cape Verde’s transition to a pluralist democratic system.[3][4]
This civic and institutional observance has no confirmed island-wide customs, traditional foods or recurring regional events. Plans for additional activities can vary, so check current government announcements for a particular year’s programme.[1]
What to expect
Because 13 January is a national public holiday, it can affect ordinary working arrangements. Check opening hours with government offices and banks before you go. Residents and visitors should check with schools, shops and transport services directly before making plans.[1]
Frequently asked questions
When is Democracy Day in Cape Verde?
It is marked every year on 13 January as the Day of Freedom and Democracy.[1]
What does the holiday commemorate?
It commemorates the first free multiparty elections in Cape Verde, held on 13 January 1991, and the end of 15 years of one-party rule.[1]
Is it a day off?
Democracy Day is a national public holiday in Cape Verde.[1]
Are shops, banks and transport services open?
Check opening hours with government offices and banks before you go. Shops and transport operators set their own hours, so check with them before you travel.[1]
What happens during the National Assembly’s commemorative session?
The National Assembly convenes a special commemorative session, open to the public and broadcast live on public radio and television.[3]
Sources and references
Sources used for Democracy Day in Cape Verde:
- Resolução n.º 120/2025- Conselho de Ministros, Boletim Oficial da República de Cabo Verde
- Constituição da República- Assembleia Nacional de Cabo Verde
- Lei n.º 4/IX/2016- Assembleia Nacional, Boletim Oficial da República de Cabo Verde
- Discursos | João Santos Luís, Deputado e Presidente da UCID- Assembleia Nacional de Cabo Verde