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Democracy Day
Cape Verde

Democracy Day 2024, 2025 and 2026 in Cape Verde

Every 13 January is Democracy Day in Cape Verde. Democracy Day commemorates the first democratic elections in Cape Verde that occurred on 13 January, 1991.

YearDateDayHoliday
202413 JanSatDemocracy Day
202513 JanMonDemocracy Day
202613 JanTueDemocracy Day
Please scroll down to end of page for previous years' dates.

After hundreds of years under Portuguese rule, often riddled with slavery and oppression, Cape Verde gained its independence from Portugal in 1975. A one party rule then ensued for the next 15 years, but finally, in 1990, the government was forced to respond to public pressure for change. They allowed the formation of opposition parties at that point so a truly democratic election could take place the following year.

On 11 January, 1991, multi-party elections were held in Cape Verde for the first time ever, and the sitting party was overthrown by a new pro-democracy party that garnished almost three-quarters of the votes cast. Soon afterward, the date 11 January was made a national holiday, Democracy Day, so that this pivotal point in the nation’s history would never be forgotten.

Previous Years

YearDateDayHoliday
202313 JanFriDemocracy Day
202213 JanThuDemocracy Day
202113 JanWedDemocracy Day
202013 JanMonDemocracy Day
201913 JanSunDemocracy Day
201813 JanSatDemocracy Day
201713 JanFriDemocracy Day