Voters in Portugal electing new president, could be far-right winner

"Portugal has begun voting in the first round of a presidential election in which a far-right candidate could, for the first time, make it to a run-off, possibly securing another win for Europe's burgeoning far-right parties. Polling stations opened at 8am local time (08:00 GMT) on Sunday across the country, and exit poll results will be announced 12 hours later. Almost 11 million people are eligible to vote in the election, which has 11 candidates."

"In Portugal, the president is largely a figurehead with no executive power. Mostly, the head of state aims to stand above the political fray, mediating disputes and defusing tensions. However, the president is an influential voice and possesses some powerful tools, being able to veto legislation from parliament, although the veto can be overturned. The head of state also has the power to dissolve parliament and call early elections."

"Chega's surge in public support made it the second-largest party in Portugal's parliament last year, just six years after it was founded. One of Ventura's main targets has been what he calls excessive immigration. During the election campaign, Ventura put up xenophobic billboards across the country saying, This isn't Bangladesh and Immigrants shouldn't be allowed to live on welfare. Other leading candidates are from the country's two main parties that have alternated in power for the past half-century"

Polling stations opened at 08:00 GMT across Portugal for the first round of a presidential election with almost 11 million eligible voters and 11 candidates. Polls predict far-right leader Andre Ventura could top the first round but would lose a February 8 run-off regardless of his opponent. A first-round victory has not been avoided in four decades. The Portuguese president is largely ceremonial but can veto legislation and dissolve parliament. The winner will replace Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. Chega became the second-largest parliamentary party within six years, and Ventura campaigned on restricting immigration, using provocative billboards.

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