Portugal is bracing for its presidential elections on Sunday, February 8, amid severe storms that have caused significant disruptions across the country. The storms led some municipalities to declare a state of public calamity, drawing attention away from the presidential candidates, António José Seguro and André Ventura. Ventura, representing the far-right Chega party, requested an election postponement due to the adverse weather conditions, but his appeal was denied by the current president, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.

In response to the flooding, some affected municipalities, such as Alcácer do Sal near Setúbal, decided to postpone their votes to the following Sunday, February 15. However, this does not affect the overall electoral process, as voting will continue in the rest of the country. If the margins of victory are significantly high, votes will be counted, ensuring a decisive outcome despite local delays.

Opinion polls suggest a rejection of the far-right candidate, reflecting the electorate's response to both the political candidates and the unprecedented weather challenges facing the nation. As the elections approach, the focus remains not only on the political implications of the weather but also on how the unfolding events might influence voter turnout and sentiments throughout the country.