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: Multiple outlets report that polls opened today with more than 11 million registered voters expected to take part and a record 11 candidates on the ballot; coverage notes stations opened at 08:00 in mainland Portugal and Madeira, while voting in the Azores starts one hour later.

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.

Multiple outlets report that Seguro is campaigning to enter the presidential second round in first place as a strategy to block what he calls an “extremist” candidate, while also saying he refuses to “wade into the mud” of negative campaigning. The coverage frames his pitch as appealing to tactical voters who want to prevent an extremist candidate reaching the presidency. Voters and political observers should note tactical-vote messaging may intensify in coming days.

Day nine of the Tracking Poll, reported by Pedro Benevides, shows a growing three-way dynamic in the Portuguese presidential race: António José Seguro, André Ventura and João Cotrim de Figueiredo are pulling ahead of Henrique Gouveia e Melo and Luís Marques Mendes. The pattern suggests the contest may crystallise into a three-way fight in the final campaign days, and — with the exception of Chega's leader — most main contenders have yet to secure full backing from their own bases.

João Cotrim de Figueiredo’s campaign, which had been gaining momentum, suffered a serious setback after a strategic misstep on second-round strategy and the resurfacing of a harassment allegation on social media. By not ruling out support for Ventura, Cotrim exposed himself to attacks and fractured the narrative of steady progress; the harassment allegation — reportedly known within Iniciativa Liberal for two years — compounded the damage and prompted him to decry ‘low‑level’ and ‘dirty’ politics. The episode shifted the campaign’s focus onto Cotrim personally, energised opponents and risked undoing recent gains as rivals consolidated backing ahead of a possible second round.

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.

Campaign reporting shows André Ventura (Chega) saying João Cotrim de Figueiredo's support in a possible second round is “natural” while also downplaying its importance; commentators note Cotrim has significantly influenced the campaign narrative and media coverage. Outlets add that other figures such as Gouveia e Melo have commented they are not surprised by possible tactical alignments. For expats: watch second‑round dynamics — endorsements and tactical voting talk can shift campaign messaging quickly and affect turnout and debate tone.

Update: Multiple outlets report João Cotrim de Figueiredo wrote to PSD leader Luís Montenegro after a Católica University poll, asking the PSD to back him or recommend a PSD vote for his candidacy in order to prevent either the PS or Chega candidate reaching the presidency; the letter quotes Sá Carneiro and comes as other campaign figures try to counter poll momentum. This formal appeal intensifies tactical-vote manoeuvring in the final days of the campaign.

On the ninth day of the official presidential campaign most candidates focused their activities in Portugal’s interior, campaigning across almost the entire mainland. The concentration in rural and regional areas indicates a deliberate strategy to court voters outside major urban centres, raise visibility in less-served communities and address local issues that could prove decisive in a fragmented race. Political observers interpret the interior push as an effort to broaden appeal beyond traditional strongholds and capture swing support.

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.

Gouveia e Melo said he will accept parties' support in a possible second round of the presidential election but insisted he will not be bound by conditions set by those parties. The statement frames a likely post-first-round negotiation dynamic and signals limits on formal deals. For expats watching the campaign, party endorsements may influence the second-round field but candidates often stress their independence from formal party control.

National outlets report more than 218,000 voters registered to cast advance ballots today for the presidential election, with polling stations open from 08:00 to 19:00 for those who applied. President Marcelo was among those who voted and urged participation as the campaign enters its final week. Expats who are registered to vote should check their polling location and opening hours; if you applied for advance voting but cannot attend today, follow local guidance for options in the main polling day.

Update: Additional coverage highlights Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa personally voting at Cidade Universitária and calling early voting a “step forward for democracy,” while several candidates also cast early ballots. The campaign enters its final week and authorities remind advance voters to confirm times and locations; expats with voting rights should double-check their polling station and any ID requirements before attending.

Day 6 of the tracking poll reshuffles the leading pack: António Seguro returns to first place, André Ventura is overtaken and drops to third, while João Cotrim de Figueiredo continues to climb and for the first time joins the leading pair in contention for a second-round spot. The instant poll records a five-way technical tie among top contenders, reflecting continued volatility. The aggregated three‑day sample (7–9 Jan 2026) comprises 608 telephone interviews (CATI), drawn via randomly generated mobile numbers with landlines used when necessary; sampling quotas covered gender, three age brackets and 20 geographic strata. At a 95.5% confidence level the maximum margin of error is ±4.06%; 1,201 contact attempts produced a 50.62% response rate and undecided voters were distributed proportionally. Campaigns responded briskly: Mendes’s team dismisses the polls, insisting he will finish first and advance to the second round, while Rangel predicted a surprise from Mendes; columnist Miguel Esteves Cardoso noted an unpredictable, anti‑poll restlessness among voters. Technical direction was by Rita Marques da Silva and the full technical sheet has been deposited with ERC for consultation.

Iniciativa Liberal’s presidential candidate, Cotrim de Figueiredo, is portrayed as a ‘catalyst’ — a figure who can accelerate political change without being consumed by it. PSD veteran José Miguel Júdice argues the candidate’s street‑level campaigning and outsider manner give him the potential to galvanise voters and disrupt the centre‑right landscape. The profile examines how that activist style and the backing from liberal and PSD circles could help him broaden appeal, while flagging the risks: limited governing experience, questions about coalition durability and whether street politics can translate into institutional influence.

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.

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 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.

Humberto Correia frames his presidential bid around his personal experience of poverty, presenting himself as a candidate who understands the everyday suffering of the Portuguese. He singles out the housing sector as a ‚disaster‘ and signals that addressing property, cost-of-living and related social stresses will be central to his campaign, positioning his lived experience as the basis for policy credibility.

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.

António José Seguro presented his honorary committee and national campaign team and will hold a rally in Leiria as he renewed an appeal for tactical voting. He warned that without strategic consolidation the left risks being excluded from the second round, portraying the moment as a 'point of no return', while PS figures such as José Luís Carneiro positioned Seguro as a potential swing vote. The report also explains the concept of tactical voting in the first round and notes Seguro's pledge to occupy the presidency with dignity and without political theatre.

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.