Portugal will hold its next presidential election on Sunday, January 18, 2026, with a possible runoff scheduled for February 8, 2026, if no candidate secures a majority.
In what analysts describe as one of the most unpredictable presidential contests in decades, the presidential election is expected to be closely watched both domestically and internationally as a barometer of shifting political currents in Portugal.
With the 2026 presidential race expected to be highly competitive and potentially decided in a second round, the diaspora vote could play a meaningful role in the outcome.
As Portugal enters a period of political fragmentation and shifting voter alignments, engagement from Portuguese citizens abroad is seen as an important element of democratic participation.
A record 11 qualified candidates are contesting the presidency, reflecting a fragmented political landscape and growing voter dissatisfaction with traditional parties. This environment has opened space for newer and more polarized political figures to gain prominence. This includes the rise of recently formed parties, such as right-wing populist Chega.
Among the most competitive candidates, are center-left is António José Seguro, a former leader of the Socialist Party (PS), who is seen as a moderate alternative. Also polling near the top is André Ventura, leader of the far-right Chega party, whose rise signals a significant shift in Portuguese politics if he advances to a runoff.
Other prominent candidates include João Cotrim de Figueiredo, former MEP and leader of the Liberal Initiative (IL), known for a pro-business, libertarian-leaning platform, and Henrique Gouveia e Melo, a retired admiral and former national COVID-19 task-force coordinator running as an independent and positioning himself as a non-partisan option. Another contender is Luís Marques Mendes, a former leader of the Social Democratic Party (PSD) backed by much of the center-right establishment.
Current opinion polls show no clear front-runner, with leading candidates clustered closely together. Analysts note that even candidates who lead in the first round may face high rejection rates, making it difficult to secure an outright victory and leaving the outcome open in a second round.
Portuguese citizens abroad eligible to vote
All Portuguese citizens aged 18 or older who are registered in the electoral system may vote, regardless of whether they reside in Portugal or overseas.
This includes the large Portuguese diaspora communities in the United States, Canada, Brazil, Europe, Africa, and elsewhere, which together represent more than two million Portuguese nationals worldwide.
Today, in addition to the Embassy of Portugal in Washington, there are 15 Portuguese diplomatic representations in the United States to serve the Portuguese resident communities, namely the Consulate General in Boston (MA); New Bedford (MA); Providence (RI); New York (NY); Waterbury (CT); Newark (NJ); Philadelphia (PA); Washington (DC); Coral Gables (FL); Palm Coast (FL); Chicago (Il); Houston (TX); Los Angeles (CA); San Francisco (CA); Honolulu (HW) and San Juan (PR).
According to the National Elections Commission (CNE), while in legislative elections voting by mail is allowed, for the elections on January 18, voters abroad can only participate in the presidential elections by voting in person. They must vote at designated consular polling stations abroad. Accurate voter registration is essential.
More than 2 million Portuguese are estimated to be living abroad, yet less than 30,000 voted in the last presidential election.
For official information, voters can consult the Portal do Eleitor, the Portuguese government’s voter information platform, as well as the Comissão Nacional de Eleições (CNE) for regulations and updates. Portuguese consulates worldwide also publish local instructions on registration, postal voting, and election-day procedures.
The elected president will replace incumbent Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, 77, who is the 20th President of Portugal, first elected in January 2016 and re-elected in 2021. Although largely ceremonial, the presidency of Portugal carries important constitutional powers. The president can dissolve Parliament and call early legislative elections, veto legislation, appoint the prime minister following legislative outcomes, and serves as commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces. While day-to-day governance rests with the prime minister and the Parliament, these powers make the presidency especially influential during periods of political instability or uncertainty.
More @ 2026 Portuguese presidential election
PAJ/Staff/This developing story will be updated.
