List of Presidents of Cape Verde: Past and Present

Last updated November 2026

This page lists the presidents and heads of state of Cape Verde from 1975 to the present, with the years each leader was in office and a short summary of their time in power. Use it to find the current president of Cape Verde, former presidents, and key dates in the country's political history.

Current president of Cape Verde: José Maria Neves (in office since 2021). A presidential election is scheduled for 15 November 2026; this page will be updated with the result.

Presidents of Cape Verde in order, with years in office

Aristides Pereira

Served: 1975–1991

First president of independent Cape Verde; lost the 1991 election after the introduction of multiparty politics.

António Mascarenhas Monteiro

Served: 1991–2001

Won the first multiparty presidential election in 1991 and served two terms.

Pedro Pires

Served: 2001–2011

Won the 2001 election and served two terms until September 2011.

Jorge Carlos Fonseca

Served: 2011–2021

Served two terms, from September 2011 to November 2021.

José Maria Neves

Served: 2021–present

Former prime minister who won the 2021 election in the first round with 51.73% of the vote, defeating Carlos Veiga.

Frequently asked questions about the presidents of Cape Verde

Who is the current president of Cape Verde?

The current head of state of Cape Verde is José Maria Neves, in office since 2021. A presidential election is scheduled for 15 November 2026; this page will be updated with the result.

Who were the previous presidents of Cape Verde?

The presidents and heads of state of Cape Verde listed on this page, in order, are: Aristides Pereira, António Mascarenhas Monteiro, Pedro Pires, Jorge Carlos Fonseca, José Maria Neves.

Who was the first president of Cape Verde?

Aristides Pereira was the first president of Cape Verde, in office 1975–1991.

Sources: Wikipedia, List of presidents of Cape Verde; Universalis and Lusa reports (checked Nov 2026). Cape Verde has had five presidents since 1975.. Last reviewed November 2026.

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