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.