Observador explains the steps between rounds: when new ballot papers are prepared, how the second round campaign schedule starts, and how voting abroad and early voting are organised ahead of the run‑off. The piece outlines practical deadlines and the funding rules that apply to candidates in the next stage of the contest. Voters, expatriates and campaign teams should check official notices about deadlines, consular voting windows and any registration requirements ahead of the second round.
How the run‑off process and calendar work
Sunday, 18 January 2026AI summary
Context & Explainers
Reaching the second round means no candidate obtained an absolute majority (>50%) in the first ballot, so the top two candidates face a runoff to decide the winner, usually a few weeks later. For expats following a campaign, the runoff intensifies media attention and often forces candidates to broaden appeal to voters who supported eliminated candidates in the first round.
