Projections of abstention in this Sunday’s presidential election range from 35.6% to 43%, compared with an abstention rate of 60.76% in the 2021 elections. The official abstention rate can only be established after the vote count, once the polls have closed. The Católica poll for RTP indicates ...
Abstention projected at 35–43%. Participation hasn't been this high for two decades
Sunday, 18 January 2026RSS
Context & Explainers
Abstention is when eligible voters choose not to vote; it is usually reported as the percentage of registered voters who do not cast a ballot. A falling abstention rate can change electoral outcomes and boost the perceived legitimacy of the result, so a predicted drop — including among younger voters — matters for how parties and candidates plan campaigning and turnout efforts.
