Vera and Lourenço will only be able to vote if there is a second round — and it's because of the day they were born
Polling and electoral data indicate a high probability of a second round in the upcoming Portuguese presidential election — an uncommon outcome in Portugal’s recent democratic history. If a run-off is confirmed, many young people who turn 18 between the first and second rounds (including those identified as Vera and Lourenço) will only be eligible to vote in the second round, because eligibility is determined by age on each voting date. The situation highlights how timing and legal cut-offs can affect youth participation in closely scheduled elections.
23:00 — Prime Minister confident there will be 'three and a half years without elections'
The Prime Minister said he expects his government to remain in office for the next three and a half years without calling elections, signalling confidence in political stability and the ability to pursue a sustained policy agenda without an early poll.
2026 presidential election: candidates criticise State Council meeting
The State Council meeting, scheduled for the middle of the presidential campaign, has today prompted further criticism from candidates and even from the President of the Republic.
Cotrim Figueiredo describes Marcelo's end of term as "clumsy"
The presidential candidate criticised Marcelo for choosing 9 January, ten days before the presidential election, to hold a Council of State meeting.
4h. Costa: "Europe will not waver" in its support for Kyiv
Hours before the meeting between Trump and Zelensky, the President of the European Council reaffirms full support for Kyiv. Also, Ventura considers calling the Council of State ten days before the elections inappropriate.
Traffic on the A1 at Alcanena restored after three hours
Traffic had been interrupted for several hours. Ventura also says that convening the Council of State ten days before the elections is inappropriate.
Ventura wants Council of State to meet only after the second round
André Ventura accused Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa of choosing the date 9 January, ten days before the presidential election, “only to interfere and take part in this election campaign”.
