A concise, analytical guide to voting in Sunday’s presidential election: who is eligible to vote, when polling stations are open, what you need to bring, whether you can use your own pen, what to do if you make a mistake on your ballot, and rules about bringing children or carers into the polling station. Also covers guidance for expat voters and common FAQs to help you vote confidently and correctly on election day.

Público summarises practical voting information for the presidential ballot: polling stations are open from 08:00 to 19:00 across Portugal and voters must bring a photo ID such as the national ID card (cartão de cidadão), citizen card/identity document (BI), passport or driving licence. Voters can confirm their polling location via the electoral register (recenseamento.pt), by sending SMS to 3838 or contacting the official helpline. Residents who are unsure where to vote should check recenseamento.pt before heading to the polls.

Update: By 16:00 official figures cited by CNN Portugal put turnout at about 45.51% — the fastest participation rate at that hour since 2006 — and multiple outlets note more than 11 million voters were called to the polls today with 11 candidates on the ballot. Polling stations opened at 08:00 in mainland Portugal and Madeira, with the Azores starting an hour later; candidates and party leaders repeatedly urged citizens to vote. Voters and volunteers should expect extended coverage and local queuing at busy sections.

The EU–Mercosur agreement will create clear winners and losers in agriculture: EU wine and olive oil producers stand to gain improved access and competitive opportunities, while beef, rice, sugar and honey are likely to face the greatest pressure from increased imports and tariff concessions. Farmers warn of 'unfair competition' and say small family farms risk bankruptcy unless safeguard clauses are rigorously enforced, with transparent monitoring, clear trigger mechanisms and targeted support measures. The agreement therefore raises political and policy questions about enforcement, compensation and the protection of vulnerable rural sectors.

Campaigners made their final appeals across the country as the presidential campaign wound down, with most candidates concentrating events in Lisbon ahead of voting on 18 January. Outlets report eleven candidates criss‑crossing the country and close polling in some matchups, increasing the chance of a second round (segunda volta) if no candidate wins an absolute majority. Voters and teams should check polling logistics and opening hours for Sunday, and watch for any late endorsements or tactical appeals that could influence tight races.

Update: Major outlets provided minute‑by‑minute live coverage and in‑depth wrap pieces on the campaign's last day — including Público predictions, ECO's 50‑image campaign gallery, Observador behind‑the‑scenes reporting and Correio da Manhã's review of five defining cases — while some outlets note 11 active campaigners on the road though 13 names appear on some ballot papers.

Analysts presented multiple plausible second‑round (segunda volta) scenarios that would shape alliances and the tone of the presidency after 18 January, with different matchups signalling varied policy directions and voter priorities. Coverage notes that each scenario would prompt distinct endorsement dynamics and tactical voting decisions in the days after the first round. Those tracking the election outcome should watch candidate statements and party endorsements closely for signals about post‑vote alignments.

On the penultimate day of a Porto‑focused campaign, Mendes — the candidate backed by the PSD and CDS — intensified calls for voters to concentrate their ballots next Sunday, warning that the result must not be left to chance. He framed the vote as decisive for who will occupy Belém and criticised the broader presidential campaign as lacking substantive policy ideas, arguing it is time to end an empty contest and consolidate support behind a clear alternative. The intervention underlines a tactical push for vote consolidation and a critique of opponents’ absence of coherent presidential proposals.

The presidential campaign skirted constitutional debate, focusing on policy and partisan positioning more suited to a head-of-government race than a head-of-state contest. António José Seguro — the Socialist-backed candidate — presents himself as the moderate alternative and argues the Constitution need not be revised, only respected; meanwhile Luís Montenegro will run as his party’s candidate. The piece argues the Republic needs a president who acts as a moderator, respects institutional limits and upholds the separation of powers.

A DN/Aximage poll finds Socialist candidate Seguro leading Ventura by 20 percentage points in a hypothetical second-round (run-off) contest. Commentary in the piece highlights tactical voting for Seguro to block the right, the extreme or the current government, warns that a Ventura vs Cotrim run-off would be damaging for the right, and reports Ventura dismissing calls for Montenegro’s backing while claiming stronger polling levels.

Three representative firefighters' associations have requested an urgent audience with the Prime Minister and parliamentary groups to present proposals for the sector, rejecting responsibility for current pre-hospital emergency problems and urging structural changes. Associations call for a single command structure and say the Framework Law on Civil Protection (Lei-Quadro da Proteção Civil) should be approved before the Framework Law on Health. Those relying on emergency response should note the sector is pressing for legal and organisational changes that could affect response arrangements and local coordination.

Reportage says the new Civil Protection law has been finalised and is expected to enter into force this year, marking a legislative update to how disasters and civil emergencies are managed. Outlets note the law's timing is politically sensitive given calls from firefighters for prioritisation and structural changes in emergency command. Residents in areas prone to wildfires or floods should watch for new local procedures and official guidance once the law is published.

The Socialist Party (Partido Socialista or PS) in Lisbon is advancing proposals to require private urban-development projects to transfer land to the municipality so it can be used for public housing. Reporting indicates the measure is aimed at increasing the stock of affordable homes in the capital by leveraging development schemes. Those seeking housing in Lisbon should follow council debates — prospective buyers, tenants and developers could be affected if the rule changes land-use obligations.

David Pontes argues that the so-called elections for the presidencies of the CCDRs are a façade: party leaders pick office-holders behind closed doors, depriving voters and local stakeholders of genuine choice. The editorial contends this practice undermines democratic legitimacy, concentrates power within party machines and weakens accountability in regional policy, and calls for transparent, competitive selection procedures and broader electoral reform.

Daily polling covered by CNN Portugal and Observador shows Admiral Henrique Gouveia e Melo falling out of the early statistical tie for the lead, leaving three candidates contesting top positions and a different candidate (listed as Seguro) taking the polling advantage. Gouveia e Melo continues campaigning with message of institutional loyalty and has said he could form a good team with Luís Montenegro; market events and local interactions show shifting voter preferences. Residents following the election should watch for rapid movement in the polls as campaigning intensifies and for any signals of tactical endorsements.

Portugal’s Judicial Police (PJ) has launched a first-of-its-kind campaign to tackle online radicalisation among young people, aiming to alert schools and families to warning signs, raise awareness, prevent recruitment and disrupt extremist influence across digital platforms. The initiative is framed as a preventive, educational and investigative effort combining outreach to educators and parents with targeted policing online. Separately, The Guardian reports heightened international tensions as former US President Trump is reported to be considering military options against Iran following a violent crackdown, underscoring how domestic efforts to shield youth from radicalisation sit alongside broader geopolitical risks.

António José Seguro has launched an appeal to moderate and centrist voters, presenting himself as a calm but courageous alternative in the final week of the campaign. He is asking moderates to move behind him and stressing measured, responsible leadership. Expats following the race should watch whether his appeal shifts centrist support ahead of the first-round vote.

Presidential candidate Luís Marques Mendes appealed to undecided voters ahead of the 18 January vote, presenting himself as the candidate of experience and stability and saying undecided voters will determine the outcome. He told supporters he is confident of finishing first and urged voters to choose the most prepared candidate. Expats following the campaign should note shifting appeals to undecided voters may change polling dynamics ahead of the likely second-round contest.

Update: Marques Mendes has directly challenged the Health Minister, demanding public explanations about failings in emergency departments and the state of the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS). Several outlets report he travelled with ministers and local figures (including Rui Moreira) while criticising health-service performance — a clear attempt to make healthcare a campaign focal point. Expats should note healthcare is being used as a campaign issue and to check local guidance if policy proposals affect access or services.

Chega leader André Ventura renewed his challenge to the PSD and its leader Luís Montenegro to declare whether they would back him or the Socialist candidate António José Seguro in a hypothetical presidential runoff. Ventura vowed that if he failed to reach the second round he would do “everything” to stop a Socialist from becoming President, framing the contest as a choice over what idea of the Republic should be represented in Belém and warning against a President who would, in his view, threaten the economy and individual freedoms. The statement increases pressure on the centre‑right to clarify alliances and highlights how the presidential race is being used to test party loyalties and shape broader political narratives ahead of national contests.

Presidential candidate André Pestana said Portugal should prioritise domestic social and environmental needs rather than increased defence spending, declaring he does not want “a single euro more for NATO”. He argues the fight should be against low wages and pensions, environmental degradation and the deterioration of public services, and proposes that funds currently transferred to private health providers be redirected into the National Health Service (SNS), claiming a large share of the state health budget is going to private companies.

At a campaign dinner in Lousã (Coimbra), presidential candidate Luís Marques Mendes presented a deliberate profile of a ‘firm but calm’ Presidency in Belém, arguing that steadiness and measured leadership are what the office requires. Positioning himself as a reassuring, experienced alternative, Mendes signalled an appeal to centrist and undecided voters and claimed he is in ‘pole position’ to reach the second round — an implicit campaign strategy to consolidate support ahead of a likely two‑stage contest. The remarks underscore a campaign focused on stability, competence and broadening appeal rather than polarising rhetoric.

The Socialist Party (PS) will submit a bill titled “Coming Home” to Parliament proposing the creation of transitional residences aimed at reducing social institutionalisation. The policy seeks to shift care from large institutions to local, secure accommodation that supports reintegration, bridging healthcare and housing needs. Analytically, the measure could advance deinstitutionalisation and community-based care, but its success will depend on funding, local delivery capacity, regulatory safeguards and clear pathways to permanent housing.

Lisbon's municipal authority has proposed banning alcohol consumption in public streets from 11pm, with proposed fines of up to €3,000 that could also be applied to establishments. Framed as a measure to reduce nuisance and improve public safety, the proposal raises questions about enforceability, proportionality and the potential economic impact on nightlife and hospitality. Separately, Le Monde reports Emmanuel Macron accusing Donald Trump of 'breaking with international rules', underscoring a parallel debate about norms and accountability on the international stage.

The Government's housing plan, due for debate and a vote on Friday, is expected to pass after Chega signals it will abstain. Although Chega's final voting decision is not yet locked in, the party led by André Ventura intends to abstain so it can later table and negotiate amendments during the committee stage. The abstention effectively allows the bill to advance despite the Government lacking a clear majority, with potential implications for property costs, local housing policy and market regulation as the measure moves to detailed scrutiny.

The prime minister announced what was described as “the largest investment in ambulances in over a decade” — 275 new vehicles — less than 36 hours after three citizens were reported to have died while waiting for care. Critics have called the timing “strange” and labelled the move demagoguery, arguing it risks masking systemic negligence in emergency services rather than addressing deeper policy and resourcing failures in healthcare and public safety. The episode has intensified calls for transparent planning, independent oversight and comprehensive reforms to emergency medical services rather than one-off equipment purchases.

Registrations for early voting in the presidential election on 18 January close this Thursday. Voters registered in the national territory who opt for early voting will cast their ballots on 11 January; registrations can be completed online at www.votoantecipado.pt or by sending a letter to the General Secretariat. The deadline is final, so eligible voters — including citizens abroad who qualify under the rules — should register now to ensure their participation. The short deadline raises potential administrative and turnout implications for campaign planning and electoral logistics.

An analytical examination of the makeshift coalition shaping the presidential race, focusing on the left’s manoeuvres around Miguel Santos Carrapatoso. The piece explores candidates who don’t fit the dominant blocs, withdrawals that remain tentative, and polling that currently favours Seguro, assessing the strategic, policy and electoral implications of these shifting alignments.

The newly elected leadership of the National Association of Portuguese Municipalities (ANMP) has formally presented its congress resolutions to the Government, raising detailed concerns about the draft law on local finances and the wider decentralisation process. The ANMP is seeking clarifications and safeguards to protect municipal budgets and competences, clearer arrangements for funding decentralisation, and secure access for municipalities to European funds under the next EU programming framework.

The 11-candidate presidential debate, held in two instalments across three topics, was overshadowed by a sustained personal clash between PSD’s Marques Mendes and independent candidate Henrique Gouveia e Melo. Mendes publicly rejected allegations of impropriety — insisting “I am not a facilitator of business deals” — and branded parts of the admiral’s conduct as “vulgarity,” a dispute that punctuated exchanges throughout the evening. Amid this confrontation, Jorge Pinto’s near withdrawal and his declaration that he would not stand in the way of a potential Seguro victory illustrated how interpersonal attacks and tactical moves risked eclipsing substantive policy debate.

Presidential candidate António Filipe says his left-wing bid has a legitimate ambition to contest the result and reach the second round, arguing voters should not choose candidates out of fear. He frames his campaign as a credible challenge with strategic implications for the race, appealing to supporters to vote on conviction rather than defensive calculations.

Ricardo Arroja argues that, despite earlier favourable international coverage, the government’s final days of 2025 were painful and exposed deeper political and economic faults. He calls for a new mindset and a reordered policy approach to restore public confidence, stabilise consumption and address the political challenges facing the next phase of governance.

From 2026, new cars will be fitted with additional safety equipment mandated by regulators to reduce road accidents. The measures should lower collisions and casualties and could bring long‑term savings in insurance and healthcare, but they will increase manufacturers’ costs and are likely to push up new‑car prices. Policymakers will need to balance public‑safety benefits against affordability, using tools such as subsidies, tax incentives, phased implementation or targeted support to lessen the impact on lower‑income buyers.

Applications for advance (early) voting in the presidential election are now open. Allowing voters to request advance voting is likely to improve accessibility and convenience—potentially raising turnout among busy voters and expatriates—but also places new demands on election administration. Clear communications on eligibility, registration deadlines and verification procedures, plus monitoring of uptake and administrative capacity, will be important to assess the policy’s effectiveness and integrity.

Marques Mendes urged the President and the Government not to stall a bill establishing regional obstetric emergency departments, saying he hopes they decide before he assumes the Presidency on 9 March to avoid it becoming one of his first decisions in office.