LISBON, Portugal
Portugal’s presidential election on Sunday could deliver a major victory for Europe’s surging far-right movement, with a record 11 candidates vying to replace outgoing President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.
Polling suggests no candidate will secure an outright majority, likely forcing a runoff next month between the top two contenders. Nearly 11 million citizens are eligible to vote, with results expected late Sunday.
The election is being closely watched across Europe, where populist and far-right parties have made steady gains in recent national votes.
A win in Portugal would mark a significant expansion of their influence into a country long seen as a bastion of established political norms.
The large field reflects a fragmented political landscape and widespread desire for change after eight years under de Sousa, who is term-limited.
Polls opened under sunny skies across the country at 8 a.m. and will close 12 hours later, beginning a new chapter in Portuguese politics.
By James Kisoo
