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1h ago

Seguro Leads First Round in Portugal as Ventura Advances to Runoff

The result sets up a polarized February 8 runoff likely to hinge on endorsements, turnout and tactical voting.

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Portuguese presidential candidate and Chega party leader Andre Ventura gestures as he delivers a speech after exit polls and early results showed he and Socialist Party candidate Antonio Jose Seguro will head to a runoff next month, in Lisbon, Portugal, January 18, 2026. REUTERS/Pedro Nunes
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Overview

  • With 98.75% counted, António José Seguro took about 31% and André Ventura about 23–24%, sending both to a second round on February 8.
  • Liberal João Cotrim de Figueiredo placed third with roughly 16%, followed by Henrique Gouveia e Melo and Luís Marques Mendes.
  • Turnout by mid‑afternoon reached 45.5%, already surpassing the total participation recorded in the 2021 presidential election.
  • A record 11 candidates split the first‑round vote as major centrist and right‑of‑center figures held back unified endorsements for the runoff.
  • The presidency carries veto and dissolution powers in Portugal’s semi‑presidential system, and analysts expect broad mobilization to block an ultraright victory.