Portugal Heads to Presidential Run-off as Centrist Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa Leads First Round

February 08, 2026

Portugal's presidential election is headed to a run-off after no candidate secured an outright majority in Sunday's first round, with incumbent Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa emerging as the clear frontrunner but falling short of the 50 percent threshold required for victory. The veteran centrist politician, backed by the Social Democratic Party (PSD) and CDS-PP, captured 47.8 percent of the vote according to near-complete official results released early Monday.

The run-off, scheduled for February 22, will pit Rebelo de Sousa against the surprise second-place finisher, left-wing independent candidate Ana Gomes, who secured 21.4 percent. Far-right candidate André Ventura of Chega finished third with 18.9 percent, while Socialist Party (PS) candidate António Costa, the former prime minister, trailed in fourth with just 9.2 percent in a disappointing showing for the center-left.

First-Round Breakdown

With 99.8 percent of polling stations reporting:

• Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa (independent, supported by PSD/CDS-PP): 47.8%
• Ana Gomes (independent, left-wing): 21.4%
• André Ventura (Chega): 18.9%
• António Costa (PS): 9.2%
• Other candidates (combined): 2.7%

Turnout reached 61.4 percent, slightly higher than the 2021 first round, reflecting increased public interest amid economic pressures, rising housing costs, and debates over immigration and European integration.

Campaign Dynamics and Run-off Outlook

Rebelo de Sousa, 77, has served as president since 2016 and is seeking a second term. Known for his folksy style, frequent public interventions, and ability to bridge political divides, he campaigned on stability, national unity, and continued support for Ukraine while maintaining a critical stance toward certain EU policies.

Ana Gomes, a former MEP and diplomat, ran a spirited campaign emphasizing social justice, anti-corruption measures, and stronger environmental policies. Her strong second-place finish defied pre-election polls that had placed Ventura in contention for the run-off spot.

Ventura's Chega, despite finishing third, achieved its best-ever presidential result and solidified its position as Portugal's third political force. Costa's poor showing dealt a blow to the PS ahead of local elections later this year.

Analysts expect the run-off to be competitive but favor Rebelo de Sousa, who is likely to attract votes from eliminated right-of-center candidates and some moderate leftists wary of Gomes' more ideological positions. Gomes will seek to consolidate the left vote while appealing to younger and urban voters disillusioned with the political establishment.

International and Domestic Reaction

European leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, congratulated Rebelo de Sousa on his strong first-round performance and expressed hope for continued Portuguese engagement in EU affairs. Domestic political figures across the spectrum called for calm and respectful campaigning in the run-off period.

The presidential election, while largely ceremonial in Portugal's semi-presidential system, carries symbolic weight and influences the balance of power between the government and the head of state. The winner will serve a five-year term beginning March 9, 2026.

With two weeks until the decisive vote, attention now turns to televised debates, regional campaigning, and whether Gomes can close the substantial gap or if Rebelo de Sousa will secure a comfortable re-election victory. Portugal's political landscape remains fluid, with the run-off expected to draw significantly higher turnout than the first round.