Storms that have been affecting Portugal in recent weeks have resulted in the postponement of the second round of presidential elections scheduled for Sunday, March 8, in some of the most impacted municipalities. This decision has particularly affected cities in the southern and central regions of the country, with approximately 37,000 voters, or 0.3% of the total electorate, being directly impacted by the delay.

André Ventura, the candidate from the far-right Chega party, publicly criticized the government's decision to maintain the election date despite the adverse weather conditions. Ventura, who has been advocating for the elections to be postponed in solidarity with the storm victims, voiced his discontent upon arriving at a polling station, indicating that such decisions have unfairly marginalized voters in affected areas. He characterized the situation as disrespectful, creating a disparity between those able to vote and those deprived of that opportunity due to natural disasters.

The implications of these delays could be significant for the electoral process in Portugal, raising questions about the fairness and accessibility of the vote in times of crisis. As weather patterns become increasingly unpredictable, this event underscores the importance of contingency planning in electoral logistics and the need for a government response that prioritizes the safety and rights of all citizens, especially during extreme weather events.