Opposition’s Neves takes lead in Cape Verde polls

Provisional results from Cape Verde indicate that the main opposition candidate, José Maria Neves, has won the first round of the presidential election.

Seven candidates are bidding to replace President Jorge Carlo Fonseca, who is not allowed to serve more than two consecutive terms.

With the results from most polling stations declared, Mr Neves has about 51% compared with about 43% for the governing party’s choice, Carlos Veiga.

If confirmed, that would be enough for the opposition candidate to win without the need for a run-off vote.

Mr Veiga has already acknowledged defeat on television and congratulated Mr Neves, the AFP news agency reports.

The turnout for the election was 48.3%.

Source: BBC