Cape Verde president rallies supporters as campaigns kick off

Hundreds of supporters of Cape Verde President Jose Maria Neves cheered him on at a rally in Sao Vicente as campaigning in the country's presidential election kicked off on Saturday. Supporters chanted and held signs, backing Neves, who is seeking a second term in the November 15 vote. He is backed by the African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde, which won a majority in May's legislative elections. How has Cape Verde managed to go on for years with the salary levels we have here in Cape Verde? It is essential that we begin working to increase salary levels in Cape Verde. No country grows or competes on the basis of low wages. So, in order to improve wages and enhance household income, we must necessarily implement a set of important reforms in Cape Verde. Six candidates are in the running for the presidency ahead of the official end of campaigning on November 13, according to the National Elections Commission. For me and for the people, given the path Jose Maria Neves has taken over the last five years, we all, women, men and children alike, believe that he is the best president to guide the future of our Cape Verde. We support him 100 percent. Neves's chief rival is expected to be former Justice Minister Joana Rosa, backed by the Movement for Democracy. A former Portuguese colony Cape Verde is seen as a model of democracy in Africa.