Latest news and stories about voting in Portugal for expats and residents.
A radio-hosted presidential debate featuring eight candidates will be broadcast live at 6am. The early-morning forum will focus on key policy issues and voter concerns, offering an analytical platform to compare candidates’ positions and campaign strategies ahead of the election. The timing and radio format may influence reach and engagement, making it a noteworthy moment in the campaign calendar.
Rangel says that the introduction of electronic voting has been considered “many times” as a possible solution to increase diaspora participation. Security issues have prevented the implementation of the measure.
Paulo Rangel stated that electronic voting does not guarantee “full reliability.”
The mayor of Lisbon said today that advance voting for the presidential election is “going very well”, estimating turnout of 61% by mid-afternoon and reporting no incidents at polling stations.
Lisbon's mayor, Carlos Moedas, also said the process took place without incident.
António José Seguro won the first round of the presidential election in Penamacor by a large margin. He received 71.3% of the votes in the town where he was born.
Raimundo also rejected the idea that the second round of the presidential election, to be held on 8 February, is a 'hypothetical battle between left and right', arguing that for that to be the case 'there would have to be a left‑wing candidate in the second round'.
António José Seguro is the most voted candidate with 30.69% in today's presidential election, with provisional results reported for 1,150 of the 3,259 civil parishes and 47 of the 109 consulates.
Everything you need to know about the Presidential elections here — FROM 20:00
Historian José Manuel Sardica outlines the commonalities between these elections and the 1986 presidential election, the only one to elect a president in a second round.
The radio presenter was authorised to be temporarily absent from the hospital.
At 13:00, nearly all candidates had cast their votes and appealed to citizens to participate, urging higher turnout.
The leader of the PS expressed his gratitude to “all the thousands of people who are supporting the electoral process” in Portugal and abroad, saying they are the “guarantee that the electoral process unfolds with full democratic unity”.
Henrique Gouveia e Melo cast his vote this morning in Lisbon. After a campaign he described as “very intense”, the presidential candidate expressed a positive and confident mood. Focusing on the importance of civic participation, Gouveia e Melo issued a direct appeal against abstention, emphasising that voting is the essential tool for the Portuguese to take control of their own destiny.
The Minister of National Defence recognises the strong likelihood of a run-off; nonetheless, he expresses the hope that the pace of electoral events will slow after the President of the Republic is chosen.
PCP leader highlighted the role of the President of the Republic in 'ensuring the Constitution is upheld'. He also thanked all the staff working to ensure the democratic process proceeds normally.
The socialist, whom polls indicate is one of the candidates likely to reach the second round, was accompanied by his wife.
António José Seguro has also already voted in Caldas da Rainha. To journalists, the socialist candidate said he had exercised his right to vote with “great hope” for the country’s future and in the “common sense of the Portuguese”.
At 10:00, Humberto Correia was the first candidate to cast his vote.
The PCP leader voted in the presidential election on the morning of this Sunday and emphasised the role of the President of the Republic in “ensuring the Constitution is upheld”.
Humberto Correia was the first candidate to exercise his right to vote, at around 09:00. The presidential candidate, whose electoral campaign was marked by touring the country dressed as D. Afonso Henriques, says he managed to fulfil the objective he set for these elections.
Those living outside Portugal began voting on Saturday. There is a large turnout at polling stations in Paris, France.
Polling stations have already opened in the autonomous regions and on the mainland. More than 11 million voters will decide the new President or which two candidates advance to the second round.
Polling stations are open from 08:00.
Those elected keep changing, and so do the voters, but the improvised nature of election nights — a certain democratic euphoria at being able to vote and to elect — remains. And it's a pleasure to watch. Column by Miguel Esteves Cardoso
Voting is already taking place this Saturday, despite it being on Sunday in Portugal.
Our vote can elect delinquents and anti-democrats, warmongers and totalitarians. We may be mistaken. But we will never stop believing that the vote is the best weapon to correct our own mistakes. Opinion by António Barreto
Only light showers are forecast inland and during the early hours.
At 21:00, António José Seguro appeals to voters, asking for their votes/support.
Catarina Martins urges voters not to back those who do not put forward a programme for the country, Jorge Pinto leaves the decision on tactical voting in the hands of citizens, and António Filipe, during the traditional descent through Chiado, rejects the notion that the left is defeated in this election.
