Antonio José Seguro, the candidate of the Socialist Party, has been elected President of Portugal after winning 66.2 percent of the vote in the second round of the presidential election.
In the runoff election held in Portugal, opposition Socialist Party (PS) candidate Antonio José Seguro secured victory with 66.2 percent of the votes, becoming the country’s new president.
More than 11 million voters went to the polls to choose a successor to Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, who has served two consecutive terms and was constitutionally barred from running again.
According to official results announced by the National Election Commission, the 63-year-old Seguro received 66.2 percent of the vote, while André Ventura, leader of the Chega Party, garnered 33.8 percent. With this result, Seguro became the 8th president in Portugal’s democratic history since 1974.
Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro officially announced Seguro’s victory to the public. Speaking to journalists in Porto, Montenegro stated that despite his party’s heavy defeat in the election, the minority government would continue its work.
Addressing supporters while heading to the PS campaign headquarters following his victory, Seguro said:
“The Portuguese people are wonderful. They have shown great commitment to our democracy. I believe I have earned their trust. It is a very good result. My aim is to serve the country. I am only looking to the future.”
Seguro previously served as leader of the Socialist Party between 2011 and 2014 and held the position of Deputy Prime Minister from 2001 to 2002.
Voter Turnout at 51 Percent
The election, held under severe weather conditions marked by heavy rainfall, saw a voter turnout of 51 percent, according to reports.
In the first round held on January 18, Seguro received 31 percent of the vote, while Ventura secured 23 percent, advancing both candidates to the runoff. The candidate of the ruling Social Democratic Party (PSD), Luís Marques Mendes, finished fifth with 11 percent of the vote and failed to qualify for the second round.