In Portugal's presidential runoff election, the centre-left Socialist candidate, António José Seguro, is favored to defeat the far-right populist André Ventura. This election follows a first round where none of the eleven candidates achieved the necessary 50% majority, ultimately leading to a head-to-head matchup between Seguro and Ventura. Recent opinion polls indicate that Seguro is projected to receive significantly more votes than Ventura, a test of the latter's burgeoning support and the appeal of his nationalist rhetoric.

Ventura's rise to prominence and his Chega party have become symbolic of a broader trend in Europe, where far-right parties are gaining traction amid shifting political sentiments. The runoff, taking place on a mostly overcast Sunday, is seen not only as a reflection of Portuguese politics but as part of a larger European narrative of increasing polarization and the challenges posed by populist movements. As the voting began, expectations were high, with polling stations opening at 8am and official results expected by 11pm.

Over eleven million Portuguese citizens are eligible to vote in this significant election. The outcome could further influence the country's political dynamic and Ventura's party could potentially reshape the traditional political landscape in Portugal. Whether Seguro's anticipated victory can effectively counter the momentum of the far-right populism is yet to be fully determined, making this runoff a critical focal point for analysts and voters alike.