[3] He became interested in the politics of Cape Verde as a teenager and was the leader of a nationalist youth organization during the country's transition from Portuguese rule to independence and democracy in 1975.

[3] Part of his higher education was at the São Paulo School of Business Administration of the Getúlio Vargas Foundation in Brazil.

[8] In 2007, he called for a special relationship with the European Union due to the archipelago's proximity to the other islands of Macaronesia, which are regions of Spain and Portugal.

[10] In August 2005, he visited Brazil, where he toured six states and had an audience with President Lula da Silva.

While acknowledging the harmful effects of slavery and colonialism on Africa, Neves said in December 2006 that African leaders were primarily responsible for the continent's present-day problems, and that they "must assume their responsibility to develop a clear strategy for Africa's future that takes advantage of all of its human capabilities and natural resources.

Janira Hopffer Almada succeeded Neves as president of the parliamentary section of the PAICV party.

According to the first results published on an official website, he won 51.5% of the vote, an absolute majority necessary to be elected in the first round.