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2w ago

Seguro Leads First Round in Portugal Presidential Race as Runoff With Far-Right Ventura Set for Feb. 8

Voters next choose a head of state who can veto laws or dissolve parliament.

Presidential candidate Luis Marques Mendes, center right, from the center-right Social Democratic Party, with his wife Rosa Sofia Salazar, in the background, greets supporters while campaigning for Sunday's presidential election, in Lisbon, Portugal, Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)
Presidential candidate Antonio Jose Seguro, of the center-left Socialist Party, delivers a speech at his campaign closing rally ahead of Sunday's presidential election, in Lisbon, Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)
Presidential candidate Luis Marques Mendes, from the center-right Social Democratic Party, with his wife Rosa Sofia Salazar, gestures to supporters while campaigning for Sunday's presidential election, in Lisbon, Portugal, Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)

Overview

  • Preliminary official results with most ballots counted show António José Seguro just over 30% and André Ventura around 24–25%, short of the majority needed to win outright.
  • The pair advance to a February 8 runoff after a record 11 candidates split the vote, triggering Portugal’s first presidential second round since 1986.
  • Liberal Initiative’s João Cotrim de Figueiredo placed third in the first round, with partial counts indicating roughly 15–16%.
  • Exit polls suggest turnout improved from 2021, with abstention near a two-decade low and around 40% participation.
  • Analysts say Ventura is likely disadvantaged in a head‑to‑head because of a high rejection rate, even as Chega’s strong showing confirms its status as the main opposition.