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Everything you need to know about the Presidential elections here — FROM 20:00

CNN Portugal18h ago

We are choosing a figure who will represent the country in a historical cycle of difficulties and uncertainties that perhaps did not exist in 1986

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.

CNN Portugal19h ago

Nuno Markl given 'release order' to go and vote

The radio presenter was authorised to be temporarily absent from the hospital.

Correio da Manhã20h ago

1pm: Almost all candidates have now voted and urged people to take part

At 13:00, nearly all candidates had cast their votes and appealed to citizens to participate, urging higher turnout.

RTP Notícias22h ago

"Voting is a duty and essential to democracy": José Luís Carneiro urges Portuguese people to head to the polls

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”.

Correio da Manhã22h ago

Gouveia e Melo votes in Lisbon and describes elections as a "hymn to democracy"

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.

CNN Portugal23h ago

Nuno Melo votes in Porto, the 'Cidade Invicta', and recalls that Marcelo has experienced 'very challenging political cycles' in a short space of time

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.

Correio da Manhã18 Jan

'It's a happy day': Paulo Raimundo has already voted in Alhos Vedros

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.

Correio da Manhã18 Jan

"I voted with great emotion and hope": António José Seguro casts his vote in Caldas da Rainha

The socialist, whom polls indicate is one of the candidates likely to reach the second round, was accompanied by his wife.

Correio da Manhã18 Jan

António José Seguro votes with confidence "in the common sense of the Portuguese"

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”.

CNN Portugal18 Jan

At 10:00 Humberto Correia was the first of the candidates to vote

At 10:00, Humberto Correia was the first candidate to cast his vote.

RTP Notícias18 Jan

Paulo Raimundo is the first political leader to vote in this presidential election

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”.

Correio da Manhã18 Jan

Humberto Correia was the first candidate to vote: 'I have already achieved my goal'

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.

CNN Portugal18 Jan

"Voting is very important": Portuguese expatriates in Paris began choosing the next President of the Republic on Saturday

Those living outside Portugal began voting on Saturday. There is a large turnout at polling stations in Paris, France.

Correio da Manhã18 Jan

I am very confident about the outcome of my candidacy

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.

Observador18 Jan

More than 11 million voters choose the successor to Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa

Polling stations are open from 08:00.

Correio da Manhã18 Jan

Emigrants can only vote in person in the presidential election

Voting is already taking place this Saturday, despite it being on Sunday in Portugal.

RTP Notícias17 Jan

The sweet flavour of freedom

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

Público17 Jan

On election day, rain gives way to cold

Only light showers are forecast inland and during the early hours.

Correio da Manhã17 Jan

9pm: António José Seguro asks voters for their support

At 21:00, António José Seguro appeals to voters, asking for their votes/support.

RTP Notícias16 Jan

On the left, candidates make final appeals for votes to defy the polls

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.

CNN Portugal16 Jan

Media runs live coverage, galleries and campaign analyses

Who is António José Seguro?

• 2026 Presidential Candidate (running as an independent)
• Party: Former leader of Socialist Party (PS) Partido Socialista
• Center left

Background:

António José Martins Seguro (born March 11, 1962, in Penamacor) is a lawyer, political scientist, and Socialist Party politician running for president in Portugal's January 18, 2026 election. He led Socialist Youth (1990-1994), served as MEP (1999-2001), was Minister Adjunct to PM António Guterres (2001-2002), and led the PS parliamentary group (2004-2005). Elected PS Secretary-General in 2011 with 68%, he led the opposition during Portugal's bailout era. In 2014, António Costa defeated him in party primaries by a landslide, prompting Seguro's resignation and decade-long retreat from politics. He returned in 2025, launching the movement UPortugal and announcing his presidential candidacy in June. He received official PS backing in October 2025. ​ Political Philosophy:

Seguro positions himself as representing a "modern and moderate" left, offering a progressive alternative to conservative candidates. He advocates for "financial responsibility but critical of austerity," attempting to reposition the PS at center-left. His campaign emphasizes institutional trust, efficient governance, and hope for a better future.

Who is André Ventura?

André Ventura, born January 15, 1983, is a lawyer, academic, and Portugal's most prominent far-right leader. He founded Chega ("Enough") in 2019 after his PSD mayoral campaign attacked the Romani community. Chega surged from 1.3% in 2019 to 22.8% in May 2025, becoming parliament's second-largest party and making Ventura Leader of the Opposition.

His platform emphasizes immigration restrictions, law-and-order policies, constitutional reform, and contains inflammatory anti-Romani rhetoric that has triggered multiple discrimination convictions and investigations. Politically classified as far-right by international media, Ventura cultivates alliances with European far-right figures including Marine Le Pen and Santiago Abascal.

He announced his 2026 presidential candidacy, polling at 18% alongside independent Admiral Gouveia e Melo. His rise ended Portugal's 50-year resistance to far-right parties.

What does the second round voting in Portuguese presidential elections mean?

The second round (segunda volta) is a runoff held if no candidate obtains more than 50% of votes in the first round; the top two candidates then compete head‑to‑head. For expats following elections, the second round is usually decisive because broader coalitions form and turnout and endorsements can change the outcome.

RTP Notícias16 JanECO16 JanExpresso16 JanObservador16 JanCorreio da Manhã16 JanPúblico16 JanECO16 JanCorreio da Manhã16 JanObservador16 Jan

6am: Presidential debate with eight candidates on the radio this morning

RTP Notícias2 Jan