independentes

Independentes, in political usage, refers to individuals or groups who run for office or hold elected positions without formal affiliation to a political party. The term is widely used in lusophone contexts to distinguish those who do not belong to a party from candidates running under a party banner. Independent candidates may run on their own or as part of “listas independentes” in elections for local, regional, or national legislatures. In legislatures, independents may form informal caucuses or align with other lawmakers for procedural leverage, without a binding party platform.

Candidates typically run on personal platforms, emphasizing local issues, direct accountability to constituents, and personal credibility rather than party ideology. This can be advantageous in local elections where voters prioritize practical governance, but it may limit access to campaign resources, media exposure, and structured political networks. Independents often rely on local volunteer networks, a personal reputation, or issue-driven campaigns.

Electoral systems influence the viability of independents. Plurality or mixed systems can facilitate independent candidacies, while strict party-list proportional systems may make it harder for individuals to win seats without party backing. Independents can play pivotal roles in hung legislatures or coalitions, negotiating support on a case-by-case basis.

The concept is common across democracies, including lusophone countries, where independents participate in municipal, regional, and national elections. The label does not imply a formal organization; some groups adopt the name Independentes as a political list or caucus, while others remain unaffiliated.

See also: independent candidate, party politics, political caucus.