André Wemans, spokesperson for the National Election Commission (CNE), stated that the electoral process is proceeding normally, notwithstanding minor and typical incidents associated with elections.
The president of the parish council of Santa Maria Maior in Lisbon reported an assault at a polling station in Alfama. Miguel Coelho, affiliated with the Socialist Party (PS), described being pushed to the ground by a voter after a verbal altercation.
Voter turnout for the ongoing elections had reached 25.56% by noon, as per the Ministry of Internal Administration records. This figure surpasses the 25.21% turnout recorded at the same time during the previous legislative elections in March 2024.
Political leaders have urged citizens to fulfill their civic duty by participating in the election. PSD President Luís Montenegro, after casting his vote in Espinho, expressed optimism over high voter participation, emphasizing that positive solutions for national growth and social justice stem from voter choice.
PS Secretary-General Pedro Nuno Santos called for robust turnout, underscoring the importance of civic participation and respect for democracy. Meanwhile, André Ventura of Chega stressed that today’s vote is critical for maintaining the health of democracy.
In Braga, Rui Rocha of Iniciativa Liberal (IL) highlighted the significance of these elections following a politically turbulent period. After casting his vote, he lauded the previous Sunday’s high early voter turnout.
Nuno Melo, leader of CDS-PP, also encouraged voting to foster stability and democratic celebration, noting Portugal’s frequent elections over the past decade.
Paulo Raimundo, the Communist Party (PCP) Secretary-General, expressed hopes for enhanced living conditions post-election and highlighted voting as a pivotal act of democracy, lifting spirits for the coming week.
Livre’s spokesperson, Rui Tavares, emphasized the crucial role of voting in shaping the country’s future and cautioned against bureaucratic hurdles challenging emigrants’ ability to participate.
Mariana Mortágua, the head of the BE, urged participation in this significant 50-year anniversary of the first free election in Portugal. PAN leader Inês de Sousa Real stressed guaranteeing a new political cycle reflecting citizens’ concerns.
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa reiterated his appeal for turnout, linking it to political stability and avoiding prolonged caretaker governments, particularly since no further elections can be held until May 2026. He reflected on the high participation in the 1975 constitutional assembly election, advocating voting as an act safeguarding freedom and democratic principles.
Assembly President José Pedro Aguiar-Branco deemed this moment critical, asserting that lower abstention enhances representativeness. Former President Cavaco Silva also highlighted the necessity of voting amidst global uncertainties, enjoining citizens to conscientiously elect capable leaders.
Polling stations for the early legislative elections will close at 19:00 in mainland Portugal and Madeira, with the Azores closing an hour later due to the time difference. The Ministry of Internal Administration’s General Secretariat reports 10.8 million eligible voters.
More than 314,000 voters utilized early voting last Sunday, amounting to a 94.45% participation rate. The 230 parliamentary seats will be determined across 22 electoral constituencies in an election expected to cost approximately 26.5 million euros. An increased number of 21 political entities are contesting this election compared to the previous year. The March 2024 legislative elections recorded a 40.10% abstention rate, reflecting a slight decline from the 48.54% abstention in 2022.
