As Portugal recovers from yet another Atlantic storm, voters are heading to the polls today for the second round of presidential elections to determine the successor of the conservative president Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. Around 11 million eligible voters are called to cast their ballots, with polling stations scheduled to close at 7 PM local time, and those in the western Azores having an additional hour for voting. The president in this European Union country holds relatively strong powers, including the right to veto legislation, dissolve parliament, and call for early elections.

According to polling data, Antonio José Seguro, a 77-year-old candidate from the left-leaning Socialist Party (PS), is the clear favorite in this election, with predictions suggesting he may receive up to two-thirds of the votes. His opponent, right-wing populist André Ventura, 43, is projected to secure around 34% of the vote. The clear advantage for Seguro underlines the political leanings of the electorate as they navigate the challenges posed by ongoing economic recovery efforts in the context of external pressures.

The elections occur against the backdrop of recent storms impacting Portugal, and only a few municipalities have opted for deferring voting due to inclement weather. This context raises the stakes for both candidates, as the outcome will not only determine the future political direction of Portugal but also reflect the broader EU landscape amid rising populism and social challenges within member states.