Portugal votes in tight presidential race with far right poised to reach runoff

Portugal held a presidential election on Sunday with three candidates, including far-right Chega party leader André Ventura, potentially heading to a runoff. Opinion surveys indicated a tight race between Socialist António José Seguro, Ventura, and João Cotrim de Figueiredo from the Liberal Initiative party. The election is notable because a runoff has only occurred once before in Portugal's democratic history, highlighting the country's fragmented political landscape. While the presidency is largely ceremonial, the office holds powers such as dissolving parliament and vetoing legislation. Approximately 11 million voters were eligible to vote, with results expected to be released during the night. The rise of the Chega party, which became the main opposition in a recent parliamentary election, signals a shift in Portuguese politics.

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