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52m ago

Portugal Votes in Crowded Presidential Race as Far Right Eyes First Runoff

A record 11-candidate field makes a February 8 runoff likely under rules requiring a majority for an outright win.

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)
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Overview

  • Polling stations opened at 8:00 a.m. and close at 7:00 p.m. local time, with exit polls due at 8:00 p.m. and preliminary results expected overnight.
  • Pre-election surveys showed a tight contest led by António José Seguro, André Ventura and João Cotrim de Figueiredo, with Luis Marques Mendes and Henrique Gouveia e Melo also drawing double-digit support.
  • Analysts and polls indicate Ventura could top the first round yet is projected to lose any runoff due to high voter rejection.
  • While largely ceremonial, the presidency carries powers to veto legislation, dissolve parliament and call early elections.
  • Turnout reached 21.18% by noon, higher than at the same point in the pandemic-affected 2021 presidential vote.