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4h ago

Portugal Votes in Crowded Presidential Race as Far Right Seeks First-Round Lead

The vote tests Chega’s reach, with a Feb. 8 runoff likely under Portugal’s rules.

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)
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)

Overview

  • Polling suggests André Ventura of Chega could finish first today but would likely lose a head-to-head runoff.
  • If no candidate clears 50% in this first round, the top two advance to a Feb. 8 runoff, a scenario not seen since 1986.
  • A record 11 candidates are running, with key rivals including António José Seguro, Luís Marques Mendes, João Cotrim Figueiredo and independent Henrique Gouveia e Melo.
  • Polling stations opened at 8:00 a.m. local time, with preliminary results expected tonight.
  • Though largely ceremonial, the presidency can veto laws or dissolve parliament, and Chega’s rise after winning 22.8% and 60 seats last May underscores the race’s political stakes.