Has Voting for the Presidential Election Started in Portugal?
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Synopsis
Voting for the Portuguese presidential election has officially commenced, with over 11 million voters ready to select their next leader from a record 11 candidates. Early voting has already started, indicating a highly competitive election ahead.
Key Takeaways
- The presidential election in Portugal has begun with over 11 million registered voters.
- Voters can cast their ballots from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm local time.
- There are 11 candidates competing, a record number in Portuguese history.
- A candidate needs over 50 percent of valid votes to win the presidency outright.
- If necessary, a runoff election will occur two weeks after the first round.
Lisbon, Jan 18 (NationPress) The voting for the presidential elections in Portugal commenced on Sunday, with more than 11 million registered voters anticipated to participate in selecting a successor from an unprecedented pool of 11 candidates.
The polling hours are set from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm local time (0800-1900 GMT), and initial results are expected to be released later that same day, according to the Xinhua News Agency.
As per the latest polls, Andre Ventura, the leader of the far-right party Chega, is currently in the lead. Other significant candidates include Antonio Jose Seguro from the center-left Socialist Party, Joao Cotrim de Figueiredo of the Liberal Initiative, and Luis Marques Mendes from the center-right Social Democratic Party.
Under the Portuguese Constitution, the presidency is determined by a direct popular vote, requiring a candidate to obtain over 50 percent of valid votes in the first round for an outright win.
As reported by several local media outlets, the current election is widely anticipated to advance to a second round, marking the first presidential election in 40 years that may necessitate a runoff between the top two candidates.
This runoff is scheduled to occur approximately two weeks after the first round, with the winner decided by a simple majority.
On January 11, over 218,000 registered voters began voting through Portugal's early and mobile voting system in preparation for the presidential elections, as the nation seeks to find a successor to President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.
The early voting on Sunday took place a week before the main election day on January 18, utilizing a flexible system that permits voters to cast their ballots at any designated polling station across the country.
At the same time, presidential candidates continued their campaigns nationwide, with a significant focus on the northern regions.
The candidates in the running include Antonio Jose Seguro, Henrique Gouveia e Melo, Luis Marques Mendes, Joao Cotrim de Figueiredo, and others.
Among those who voted early on January 11 was President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, who registered for early voting to promote this flexible voting option, allowing greater accessibility for Portuguese citizens. It is important to note that voting is not mandatory in Portugal.
Point of View
I believe that the commencement of the presidential election in Portugal represents a crucial moment in the nation's democratic process. With a record number of candidates and anticipated voter turnout, this election could significantly shape the country's future. It’s imperative that every eligible citizen engages in this democratic exercise.
NationPress
20/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the voting for the presidential election in Portugal take place?
Voting started on January 18, from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm local time.
How many candidates are running in the Portuguese presidential election?
There are a record 11 candidates competing in this election.
What is required for a candidate to win in the first round?
A candidate must secure more than 50 percent of valid votes to win outright in the first round.
Is voting mandatory in Portugal?
No, voting is not mandatory in Portugal.
What happens if no candidate wins in the first round?
If no candidate obtains a majority, a runoff will be held approximately two weeks later.
