Cape Verde: opposition candidate wins first round of elections

The main opposition candidate in Cape Verde, José Maria Neves, won the first round of the presidential election, provisional results indicate.

Seven candidates are bidding to replace President Jorge Carlo Fonseca, who has already served two consecutive terms.

Mr Neves has around 51% of the vote while the ruling party’s candidate, Carlos Veiga has 43%, according to the results of most polling stations.

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Mr Veiga has already acknowledged defeat on television and congratulated Mr Neves, the AFP news agency reports.