Oct 15 (edited) • 🇵🇹 Language & Culture 🇵🇹
Presidential Election 2026 (a primer)
The next Portuguese presidential election is scheduled for January 18th, 2026, when incumbent President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa will finish his second and final term. A number of candidates have already entered the race, including Admiral Henrique Gouveia e Melo, a well-regarded military official, and Luís Marques Mendes, a Social Democrat.
Key information on the 2026 race:
- Election date: The election will be held on 18th January 2026.
- Incumbent not running: President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa is constitutionally barred from seeking a third consecutive term.
Potential candidates and latest polling - According to a July 2025 Intercampus poll, the race appears to be competitive, with three main contenders in a technical tie for first place:
- Henrique Gouveia e Melo: The retired admiral, praised for leading Portugal's COVID-19 vaccine rollout, has seen his poll numbers fall slightly but remains a top contender. He is currently running as an independent.
- Luís Marques Mendes: Supported by the Social Democratic Party (PSD), Marques Mendes has gained ground in recent polling, positioning himself as a strong rival to Gouveia e Melo.
- António José Seguro: The former leader of the Socialist Party (PS) has entered the race and is now polling competitively, confirming a tight three-way race.
- André Ventura: The leader of the far-right Chega party, who previously ran in 2021, is also in the race, though he trails the top three candidates in recent polls.
- Other declared and potential candidates: Other figures who have entered the race or are considering a run include: João Cotrim de Figueiredo (Liberal Initiative); Mariana Mortágua (Left Bloc); António Filipe (CDU); António Sampaio da Nóvoa (academic); Rui Moreira (Mayor of Porto) and Vitorino Silva (RIR)
Impact of 2025 elections - Recent elections have seen significant political shifts that could influence the upcoming presidential vote:
- Legislative Election (May 2025): The snap election resulted in the center-right Democratic Alliance (AD) winning but falling short of a majority. The far-right Chega party surged into second place, while the Socialist Party (PS) dropped to third.
- Local Elections (October 2025): In local elections, the PSD won a majority in many key municipalities, while Chega secured its first three mayoral positions. The far-right party expanded its presence in municipal councils, but its overall result was less than some expected.
What's next?
As the election approaches, more candidates may formally announce their campaigns. Political maneuvers and alliances among the parties and independent candidates are expected to shape the competitive race to become Portugal's next head of state.
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Presidential Election 2026 (a primer)
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