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Portugal Presidential Race Heads to Runoff as Early Count Puts Seguro Ahead of Ventura

With over 60% of ballots counted, no candidate is near a majority, making a February 8 runoff likely.

Overview

  • Official tallies after 60.48% of votes counted show António José Seguro at 30.02%, André Ventura at 26.7%, and Luís Marques Mendes at 14.15%.
  • Data from the Ministry of Internal Administration indicate no contender approaching the 50% threshold required to win outright.
  • Election rules stipulate a second round on February 8 between the top two finishers if no one secures an absolute majority.
  • Voter turnout stands at 50.7% in preliminary figures released during the count.
  • A record 11 candidates competed after Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa was barred from a third consecutive term, in a race for a presidency that can veto laws, dissolve parliament, and appoint the prime minister.