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Portugal Votes in Third General Election in Three Years as Political Instability Persists

Polling suggests the center-right Democratic Alliance will lead but fall short of a majority, with exit polls expected later today.

Supporters gather at a rally held by Andre Ventura, leader of Portugal's far-right political party Chega, on the final day of campaigning, ahead of Portugal's general election, in Lisbon, Portugal, May 16, 2025. REUTERS/Rodrigo Antunes/File Photo
Incumbent Prime Minister and leader of the center-right Social Democratic Party Luis Montenegro gestures to supporters during an election campaign action in downtown Lisbon, Friday, May 16, 2025, ahead of the May 18 general election. (AP Photo/Ana Brigida)
Socialist Party secretary general Pedro Nuno Santos waves to supporters during an election campaign action in Moscavide, on the outskirts of Lisbon, Friday, May 16, 2025, ahead of the May 18 general election. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)
A view shows a billboard of the AD - Coalition PSD/CDS, ahead of Portugal snap elections in Lisbon, Portugal, May 5, 2025. REUTERS/Pedro Nunes/File Photo

Overview

  • Polling stations opened at 8 a.m. local time and will close at 7 p.m., with exit polls expected from 8 p.m.
  • The snap election was triggered after Prime Minister Luis Montenegro's minority government lost a confidence vote in March tied to alleged conflicts of interest, which he denies.
  • Opinion polls project the Democratic Alliance (AD) leading with around 32% of the vote but unlikely to secure the 116 seats needed for a majority in the 230-seat parliament.
  • The far-right Chega party is polling in third place with approximately 18%, but Montenegro has ruled out forming a coalition with them.
  • Key campaign issues include housing affordability, soaring immigration, and economic challenges, reflecting voter frustration with years of fragile governance.