Voters in Portugal electing new president, could be far-right winner

Portugal is holding a presidential election on January 18, 2026, with 11 candidates vying for the largely symbolic role. A key development is the potential for Andre Ventura, leader of the far-right Chega party, to reach the run-off election on February 8. Polls suggest Ventura could win the first round but lose in the second. This election marks a possible shift in Portuguese politics, as it could be the first time in 40 years that no candidate secures over 50% of the vote in the initial ballot. The winner will succeed Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, whose two-term limit has expired. Ventura's rise reflects Chega's growing popularity, fueled by anti-immigration rhetoric, making it the second-largest party in parliament.

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