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2mo ago

Portugal Set for Rare Presidential Runoff as Ventura Leads First-Round Polls

A fractured field points to a February 8 head-to-head that studies suggest an anti-nationalist rival would win.

André Ventura, le chef du parti d'extrême droite Chega, António José Seguro, candidat soutenu par le PS, et João Cotrim Figueiredo, soutenu par l'Initiative libérale. [AFP]
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Overview

  • Nearly 11 million citizens, including about 1.6 million abroad, are eligible to vote in the January 18 first round.
  • Surveys consistently put Chega leader André Ventura in first place but below a majority, indicating the first runoff since 1986.
  • The prospective opponent remains uncertain, with António José Seguro, Luís Marques Mendes, Henrique Gouveia e Melo, and João Cotrim Figueiredo all cited as plausible finalists.
  • A record 11 candidates and daily tracking polls have splintered support, especially on the non-socialist right, making a first-round majority unlikely.
  • Though largely ceremonial, the presidency can appoint the prime minister, veto bills, and dissolve parliament, a role that matters for a PSD minority government that relies on Chega for parts of its agenda.