As municipal elections often lead to many humorous situations, as noted by Ricardo Araújo Pereira, who has entertained us over the years with numerous (and excellent) comedic sketches inspired by this electoral race.
Like the campaign, the day the Portuguese go to the polls to elect local authorities leads to amusing events, whether during the election itself or at night when the results are revealed.
This year was no exception. Throughout Sunday, various unusual situations were reported by the media.
In Madeira, the candidate from Chega, José Carlos Gonçalves, who was ultimately elected as Mayor of São Vicente, was involved in an altercation at a polling station.
Reports indicate that the incident occurred after the PSD delegate asked the candidate to move away from the Lameiros table because he allegedly stayed close to voters, potentially influencing their vote, which is prohibited by election law.
In response to this request, the now-elected mayor purportedly assaulted the social-democratic delegate.
Accompanying the news is a video showing José Carlos Gonçalves beside a resident and suddenly turning and advancing towards someone filming him. The subsequent events are unclear, but it’s evident the Chega candidate was displeased at being filmed.
To Observador, the elected mayor assured that the incident “was distorted and amplified unjustly.”
Volt Candidate Removed by Force During Vote Counting
The Volt candidate for the Misericórdia Parish Assembly in Lisbon, Ksenia Ashrafullina, claims she was forcibly removed from the Liceu Passos Manuel where she intended to observe the vote counting of the municipal elections.
“They shouted and didn’t let me observe. A gentleman from PSD, who refused to give his full name, pushed me, took me out, and closed the door. I heard screams and accusations,” she recounted, adding that she tried to file a complaint with the presiding officer but was ‘blocked’.
Although Volt does not have a delegate, the National Election Commission (CNE) explained that candidates have the right to accompany the vote-counting process, even if the party does not have a delegate. Ksenia Ashrafullina stated she will file a complaint with the CNE regarding the case.
Candidate or Commentator?
Meanwhile, Pedro Frazão of Chega is the subject of several jokes on social media. The candidate for the Oeiras City Council, it seems, was more focused on being a commentator than in contesting the council he applied for.
While at the election night on CNN Portugal, criticizing the Left Bloc and other parties, he was defeated by Isaltino Morais by a “monumental” margin (61.94% vs 8.48%), though he was elected as a councilor.
The positive side of the Oeiras vote: Isaltino crushing Pedro Frazão of Chega. What a blow to braggarts: 62.4% vs 08.8%!!!! pic.twitter.com/Zyb8c8DtkG
— AnaPortugal (@_Ana_Portugal) October 12, 2025
Declaration of Love
In Faro, the PS “snatched” the council from PSD after 12 years. The new socialist president ran for the city council of the Algarve’s district capital after fulfilling the legal limit of three consecutive terms in the neighboring municipality of Olhão.
António Miguel Pina’s victory speech was marked not only by gratitude to the citizens and his team but also by a declaration of love to his wife.
“I especially want to thank my wife and my family, my parents, my children, my sister, and my brother-in-law, and my stepchildren, João and Joana, and my granddaughter, Benedita, for their day and night support; they were always with me because this adventure was also a personal adventure. Thank you, my love, my Sandra,” he said, turning to kiss his wife.
Sibling Rivalry for the Aveiro City Council
In Aveiro, two brothers competed for the city leadership. Social Democrat Luís Souto, a University of Aveiro professor, ended up winning the battle at the polls. However, he will need to negotiate partnerships with his brother Alberto Souto, from PS, or with Chega, as he did not achieve an absolute majority.
Ties Leave Lamoso and Vila Marim Without Parish Presidents
A technical tie between the MIL (Independent Movement for Lamoso) and the PPD/PSD/CDS, both with 34.43% of the votes, left the Lamoso parish board, in Paços de Ferreira, Porto, without a president (at least for now).
The same occurred in the parish of Vila Marim, in the Vila Real district. PS and PSD tied with 45.47% of the votes.
Elected President in Vila Nova de Poiares Sets Off to Fátima
The newly elected President of Vila Nova de Poiares, who won the municipality from PS with the movement Poiares a Sério (PSR), celebrated the victory with a pilgrimage to Fátima. His arrival was expected at 12:00 pm on Monday.
“I’m on my way to Fátima,” said Nuno Neves, revealing that “it was a promise” he made to himself.
The newly elected President of Vila Nova de Poiares celebrated his victory with a pilgrimage to Fátima, where he expects to arrive before 12:00 on Monday.
Lusa | 23:35 – 12/10/2025
AD Wants to Annul Voting in Caldas: “Videos of People Tampering with Ballot Boxes”
The Democratic Alliance (AD) candidacy for the Caldas da Rainha City Council plans to challenge the election in this municipality, claiming ballot boxes were tampered with at least three polling stations.
The head of the coalition’s list, social democrat Hugo Oliveira, said that in the parish of Nossa Senhora do Pópulo [which has the largest number of voters in the municipality], at least three ballot boxes were allegedly tampered with.
The deputy also mentioned having “photos, videos, and witnesses” that the boxes were opened “to tamper inside,” after votes had already been placed.
“We have videos of people tampering inside the ballot boxes,” he emphasized, considering this an “insurmountable irregularity” that leads the candidacy to challenge the elections in Caldas da Rainha, in the Leiria district.
The AD candidacy for the Caldas da Rainha City Council plans to challenge the election, claiming ballot boxes were tampered with at several polling stations.
Lusa | 01:53 – 13/10/2025
Ana Abrunhosa Mistakes Coimbra for Lisbon in Victory Speech
Meanwhile, a video featuring a gaffe by Ana Abrunhosa, the protagonist of one of the evening’s significant surprises, is circulating on social media.
The former socialist minister of Territorial Cohesion won the Coimbra City Council. However, in her victory speech, she mistakenly referred to Coimbra as Lisbon, an error that did not go unnoticed online.
“Worth staying in Lisbon,” she said when she meant to say: “Worth staying in Coimbra.” “It’s going to be a complicated four years for you,” joked an internet user.
“Worth staying in Lisbon “
It’s going to be a complicated four years for you pic.twitter.com/VBHVsaQEJx— Ric (@RRcampo1) October 12, 2025
