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Seguro Tops Portugal's First Round as Ventura Advances to Feb. 8 Runoff

The Feb. 8 runoff will decide who wields a role that can dissolve parliament.

Overview

  • Partial official results show Antonio José Seguro at 30.6% and André Ventura at 24.7%, with João Cotrim Figueiredo third at 14.8%.
  • The second round is scheduled for February 8, a rarity not seen in a Portuguese presidential race since 1986.
  • Chega's ascent continues as Ventura reaches the runoff after the party won about 22.8% and 60 seats in May, up from his 11.9% presidential result in 2021.
  • A record 11 candidates ran; projections placed Henrique Gouveia e Melo fourth and government-backed Luis Marques Mendes fifth.
  • Prime Minister Luis Montenegro said his PSD will give no voting instructions for the runoff, as analysts note Chega has consolidated its position as the main opposition.