Cape Verde is preparing for a presidential election on Sunday, with incumbent President José Maria Neves seeking a second term in office.

His main challenger is former justice minister Joana Rosa, who is campaigning to become the country’s first female president.

Neves is considered the favourite after his African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde, PAICV, secured 37 of the 72 parliamentary seats in May’s legislative elections.

The victory allowed the party to form a government under Prime Minister Francisco Carvalho.

Rosa, representing the Movement for Democracy, has criticised the concentration of political power and promised to attract foreign investment.

Employment opportunities and migration have emerged as central issues during the campaign.

Rosa warned that the continued departure of young Cape Verdeans in search of opportunities abroad was undermining the country’s development.

Neves has promised to focus his second term on inclusive economic growth, better wages and opportunities for young people.

The election could consolidate PAICV’s political influence across the island nation.