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1h ago

Portugal Votes in Runoff With Seguro Heavily Favored as Storms Trigger Local Delays

The vote gauges Chega’s reach in a system where the president can veto laws or dissolve parliament.

Presidential candidate Antonio Jose Seguro, of the center-left Socialist Party, waves to the crowd during a campaign rally ahead of the Feb. 8 presidential election in Lisbon, Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Ana Brigida)
Presidential candidates Antonio Jose Seguro, of the center-left Socialist Party, right, and Andre Ventura, of the populist Chega party, shake hands before a television debate ahead of the Feb. 8 presidential election, in Lisbon, Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)
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Overview

  • Opinion surveys ahead of polls closing indicated Socialist António José Seguro was on track for a comfortable win over far-right leader André Ventura.
  • Severe Atlantic storms caused widespread damage estimated at about €4 billion and prompted at least 14 constituencies to delay voting by one week for nearly 32,000 registered voters.
  • The National Electoral Commission reported turnout of more than 22% by noon, a pace slower than in the first round as weather disruptions and voter disengagement weighed on participation.
  • Exit polls are due around 8–9 p.m. local time with official counts later in the night, and the winner is slated to assume office on March 9.
  • Ventura’s Chega party has rapidly become the main opposition force, making the runoff a key measure of the far right’s strength despite the presidency’s largely ceremonial role.