Presidential election: the rules and deadlines up to the second round
A second ballot shortens the timelines, but early voting remains guaranteed.
How the run‑off process and calendar work
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.
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.
This is how voting began for the most unpredictable presidential election in recent years
Portugal began voting on Sunday to choose the next President of the Republic. Around 200,000 voters registered for early voting, a moment that officially marks the start of the most unpredictable elections in recent years.
Almost 80% of registered voters have already voted early in Lisbon
Almost 80% of the more than 27,000 voters registered to vote early in Lisbon for the presidential election had exercised their right to vote by around 17:20, the mayor said, based on a sample. 'Of those 27,000 registered, of which 15,000 are from the Lisbon district, we had ...'
19:00 — Early voting in Lisbon records 80% turnout
As of 19:00, early voting in Lisbon recorded an 80% turnout.
19:00. Early voting. Lisbon records a 77% participation rate
On the day of early voting for the Presidential election, Carlos Moedas was at the Cidade Universitária to take stock of turnout at the polls. Also: the latest developments in the presidential campaign.
Nearly 80% of registered voters have already voted early in Lisbon
There are 27,653 registered voters to cast their ballots at 118 polling stations spread across the seven buildings of the university campus.
Marcelo says early voting is a step forward for democracy
At 4pm, Marcelo says early voting is a step forward for democracy.
By 14:00 in Lisbon, 17% of registered voters have already voted early
By 14:00, 17% of those registered in Lisbon had cast their ballots in advance.
"Renewal is the strength of democracy": Marcelo cast his vote this morning
The President emphasised that early voting is a “contribution” to democracy.
Marcelo calls early voting 'a step forward for democracy' and recalls the Soares-Freitas struggle
The Head of State emphasised that it could be by 'one, two or three' votes that 'one wins and another doesn't'.
Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa calls early voting 'a step forward for democracy'
🏛️ Government#early-voting+3 more
The President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, said today that early voting is 'a step forward for democracy' and reminded that every vote can make a difference to the outcome of the presidential election. 'It is a fundamental contribution, it is a step forward for democracy,' he told journalists after casting his early vote at Cidade Universitária in Lisbon.
Marcelo considers early voting "a step forward for democracy" and recalls the struggle of Soares and Freitas
The Head of State emphasised that it may be by “one, two or three” votes that “one wins and the other doesn't”.
'It's a major step forward for democracy' — Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has already voted early
The head of state voted early because it would be 'complicated' to go to the polls on 18 January due to the visit of his Estonian counterpart to Portugal.
10:00 — Early voting: voters begin to cast their ballots
At 10:00, early voting gets under way as registered voters start to cast their ballots ahead of the main election day.
Marcelo has already voted: "Renewal is the strength of democracy and, in this case, the strength of Portugal"
With the presidential campaign entering its second week, early voting takes place this Sunday.
09:00 Early voting: voters begin to cast their ballots
At 09:00, early voting stations open and voters start to cast their votes.
218,000 voters registered to vote early today
Voters must today go to the polling station in the municipality they chose when registering, identify themselves and state the parish in which they are registered.
08:00 — Early voting day for presidential elections
The right to vote early can be exercised this Sunday only by those who registered in advance. Around 218,000 people are eligible to vote today.
More than 218,000 voters registered for early voting
If you registered to vote this Sunday but are unable to do so, you can vote next Sunday.
Presidential election: More than 218,000 voters registered to cast early ballots this Sunday
Around 11 million voters resident in Portugal and abroad are registered to vote in the presidential election.
On the eve of early voting, Mendes urges early voters to choose the 'best prepared'
🏛️ Government#early-voting+3 more
Presidential candidate Luís Marques Mendes appealed today to voters who will cast their ballots early, asking them to choose the candidate who is 'best prepared' for the office and who has the most experience in government.
Attention, voters: registrations for early voting in the presidential election end today
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.
