LISBON –
Moderate Socialist Antonio Jose Seguro led the first round of Portugal’s presidential election on Sunday, followed by the far-right leader Andre Ventura, with exit polls and first partial results showing the two are heading into a runoff next month.
In the five decades since Portugal threw off its fascist dictatorship, a presidential election has only once before — in 1986 — required a runoff, highlighting how fragmented the political landscape has become with the rise of the far right and voter disenchantment with mainstream parties.
The presidency is a largely ceremonial role in Portugal but wields some key powers, including in some circumstances to dissolve parliament, to call a snap parliamentary election, and to veto legislation.