TOP ELECTION INTERUPTED

Round two of Portugal’s Presidential Election scheduled for this Sunday has been partially postponed because of the extremely severe weather conditions.

 

The impending run-off between Antonio Jose Seguro of the centre-left Socialists (PS), and Andre Ventura founder of the right-wing Chega party, was partially called off on Friday, largely because of Ventura’s concerns about the impact of the weather on voting. His request for a total postponement was rejected. Much of the vote will instead be held in a week’s time, though it may not be delayed in some municipalities.

 

 Seguro got the most votes in round one of the election last month with an insufficient majority to avoid a run-off. The odds seem to favour Seguro, especially as the Socialists have formed many alternative governments opposing the centre-right Social Democrats since the Cultural Revolution that ousted the dictatorship and restored democracy in 1974.

 

A surprise presidential win by Chega would put it on track along with the increasing appeal of right-wing populists in various European countries, as well as in the United Kingdom where the Reform Party may well succeed the deeply troubled  Labour Party.

 

The violent winds and persistent heavy rain that has caused extreme flooding across much of the country seems to have subsided, but more could come. Storm Marta ripped across Portugal and into Spain on Saturday following a devastat8int week by Storm Leonardo. Thousands of civil protection, police and other specialised officers are on standby to help with any more weather crises impacting on the final presidential voting.

 

 

 

 

WORSE WEATHER ON THE WAY

Storm Leonardo has brought heavy rain, rising rivers and serious flooding to Portugal this week, and worse may be to come as the country braces for storm Marta this weekend.

 

Some of the most serious flooding has been in the Tagus region,

South of Lisbon, in the Alentejo, as well as the Algarve.

 

The Civil Protection Agency issued a red alert for the Tagus basin as waterflow there doubled. This was due to sudden dam discharges.

 

South of Lisbon, homes had to be evacuated, and schools closed as the storm continued to smash across both Portugal and Spain.

 

In the Algarve, the fierce winds, continuing rain and pounding seas have necessitated  rescue operations and caused many road blockages due to landslides and fallen trees.

 

Emergence servicesremain on full alert.