Today, February 8, 2026, is indeed the decisive day for Portugal as citizens head to the polls for the presidential runoff. This election is historic, marking only the second time in Portugal’s democratic history (since 1974) that a presidential race has required a second round.
### The Candidates
The runoff pits two very different visions of Portugal against each other:
* **António José Seguro (Socialist Party - PS):** A veteran politician and former Socialist leader, Seguro has campaigned as the "stability" candidate. He has successfully built a "broad front" of support, receiving endorsements from figures across the political spectrum—including center-right leaders—who view him as a safeguard against radicalism.
* **André Ventura (Chega):** The leader of the far-right populist party *Chega* ("Enough"). Ventura's rise has been meteoric; he has leveraged anti-establishment and anti-immigration rhetoric to become a major force in Portuguese politics. Even if he loses, his presence in the runoff is seen as a watershed moment for the country’s political landscape.
### Key Context & Challenges
The lead-up to today’s vote has been anything but quiet:
* **The "Storm" Factor:** Campaigning was heavily disrupted by severe Atlantic storms that caused significant damage across the country. While Ventura called for a total postponement of the election, the National Electoral Authority moved forward, though voting was delayed by a week in a few specific, hard-hit municipalities.
* **Poll Projections:** Latest polls (such as from Católica University) suggest a comfortable lead for **Seguro**, placing him at approximately **67%** compared to **33%** for Ventura.
* **The Presidency's Power:** While the Portuguese president is largely a figurehead, they hold the "atomic bomb"—the power to dissolve Parliament and call early elections. Given the current minority government and recent political instability, who holds this power is seen as critical for the country's future.
### What to Expect Next
Polling stations are scheduled to close at **8:00 PM** local time (with an extra hour for the Azores). We should see exit polls shortly after, with official results expected by **11:00 PM (GMT)**.
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