Candidates arrive at campaign headquarters. This is the lowest abstention rate in the last 20 years.

Voter turnout has reached 45.5% by 4:00 pm.
This information was just released by the National Election Commission.

The number shows a strong increase compared to 2021, when turnout at the same time was only 35.44%.

In 2016, turnout by 4:00 pm was 37.69%, and in 2011 it was even lower, at 35.16%.
Looking back 20 years, in 2006, turnout at this time was 45.56%, almost the same as today.

Why Is There a Second Round in Portugal Elections?

Portugal has a two-round voting system for presidential elections.
A second round happens only if no candidate wins enough votes in the first round.

To win the presidantial election in the first round,a candidate must get more than 50%of the valid votes.

This mean:

50% + 1 an absolute majority

if no candidate reaches 50% then:

a secound round (runoff election) is required.

this is written in portuguese consititution

Example:

Candidate A: 32%

Candidate B: 27%

Candidate C: 20%

Others: 21%

No one has 50%.

Candidate A and B go to second round. People vote again. one wins with mejority support

Polling stations are open until 7 PM. There are 11 candidates in the race, and the chances of a second round on February 8th are high.

Immigrants Vote Will Matter

Asian Portuguesse Citizens More Intrested To Vote In This Presidential Election