The local elections will be held on October 12, announced the Minister of the Presidency today at a press conference following the Council of Ministers meeting.
The date for local elections is determined by a government decree at least 80 days in advance. According to electoral law, these elections must take place between September 22 and October 14 and on a Sunday.
Minister António Leitão Amaro explained that the chosen date was the most favored by parties consulted by the government. He also noted preliminary discussions with the President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.
On June 26, the government consulted with all parliamentary parties regarding the election date, with most preferring October 12.
During these discussions, PSD, Chega, PCP, PAN, Livre, and CDS-PP expressed their preference for October 12, while PS and IL suggested September 28, and BE submitted a written statement favoring October 5. JPP met with the government but made no public statement.
In accordance with electoral law, elections must occur between September 22 and October 14, on a Sunday, effectively leaving three possible dates: September 28, October 5 (a national holiday commemorating the Republic’s establishment), and October 12.
The last local elections were held on September 26, 2021, with previous elections on October 1, 2017, September 29, 2013, October 11, 2009, and October 9, 2005. Before then, local elections were conducted in December.
