Smallness, islandness and cross-party dialogue : lessons from Cabo Verde

Abstract

This article explores political dynamics in Cabo Verde, a small island African state. Interviews with members of parliament (MPs) from the two major parties in Cabo Verde illustrate that their experiences of practicing politics align with those of their counterparts in other small island jurisdictions. Smallness and closeness make it easier for representatives to gauge the temperature of the electorate, leading to more appropriate and effective legislation. But closeness, stemming from smallness, also provides fertile soil for friendship corruption and patronage, especially when it comes to the appointment procedures of anti-corruption agencies. This study also brings new insights to the research field of smallness, islandness and democracy. It shows that Cabo Verdean MPs view islandness as a protecting shield from authoritarian tendencies on the continent, facilitating democratic consolidation in their own country. Moreover, it shows that repeated occasions for cross-party dialogue compensate for some of the drawbacks of small state politics.