Cape Verdeans vote on May 17 in a pivotal election for all 72 seats, with over 400,000 voters and a contest between ruling MPD and opposition PAICV.

The electoral campaigns have highlighted stability versus renewal, amid rising living costs and youth unemployment. Analysts see limited policy differences and warn of democratic decline.

The outcome will test unity, institutions and leaders' ability to deliver jobs and restore trust across the islands and diaspora communities.