Overview
- Near-complete official results place António José Seguro at about 31% and André Ventura at roughly 23.5%, confirming a second round on February 8.
- Liberal MEP João Cotrim Figueiredo finished third with about 14.8% in a record field of eleven candidates, with roughly 11 million eligible to vote.
- The contest moves to a runoff for the first time since 1986 because no candidate surpassed the 50% threshold.
- Multiple surveys report that more than 60% of respondents say they would not vote for Ventura in a runoff, suggesting limited paths for him.
- Though largely ceremonial in routine times, the presidency can veto laws and dissolve parliament, a backdrop to Chega’s rising profile after winning 22.8% in last May’s parliamentary vote.