Lisbon, Portugal – Portugal’s political landscape is shifting as the center-right Democratic Alliance emerges as the frontrunner in a tight election race, aiming to end eight years of rule by the center-left Socialists. Exit polls suggest that the Democratic Alliance is projected to win 29-33% of the vote, slightly ahead of the Socialists, who are expected to secure 25-29% of the vote. However, forming a majority in parliament may prove to be a challenge for the center-right party.
On the other end of the political spectrum, the far-right Chega (Enough) party is making waves, solidifying its position as a significant player in Portuguese politics. Led by ex-football pundit André Ventura, Chega is projected to secure 14-17% of the vote, with a platform focused on issues like corruption and immigration. The party is aiming to position itself as a potential kingmaker in the political arena, marking a milestone in its relatively short history.
Sunday’s snap election saw a high voter turnout, with ten million Portuguese citizens casting their votes. The election comes four months after Socialist Prime Minister António Costa resigned amid corruption allegations. Despite the turmoil within the ruling Socialist party, Costa was never formally implicated as a suspect.
As the results began to unfold, it became evident that the center-right leader, Luís Montenegro, was gaining momentum. Supporters cheered “Portugal, Portugal” as Montenegro’s party made significant gains in the polls. However, even if the Democratic Alliance emerges as the winner, it is projected to fall short of an outright majority, with estimates placing them at around 91 seats in the 230-seat parliament.
The Democratic Alliance has faced its own set of challenges, with the Social Democratic Party, a key component of the alliance, embroiled in a regional scandal in Madeira. Despite these obstacles, Montenegro’s leadership and the party’s platform have resonated with voters, signaling a potential shift in Portugal’s political landscape. As the final results are tallied and negotiations for coalition-building begin, the future direction of Portuguese politics remains uncertain.