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PORTUGAL’S PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION continues today and the moderate incumbent candidate is strongly preferred to earn a second term of five years as a devastating spike in Covid-19 grips the country.
The head of state in Portugal has no legislative powers that lie with parliament and the government, but is an influential voice in the leadership of the country.
The 72-year-old Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa is the clear leader among seven candidates. He’s a sociable, approachable law professor and former television personality who has consistently had an approval rating of 60% or more as president.
To win, a candidate must get more than 50% of the vote. However, a sharp rise in coronavirus infections in recent days could keep voter turnout low and potentially lead to a runoff between the two top candidates that would take place on February 14th.
Portugal has increased polling stations and allowed early voting, to reduce the crowd on election day.
According to a report by Johns Hopkins University, Portugal has the world’s highest rate of new infections and deaths every day, and the public health system is under enormous strain.
While the country is on lockdown there were none of the usual flag-waving rallies or other large public events during the election campaign, although movement restrictions were lifted for election day. Voters were asked to bring their own pen and disinfectant to the polling stations.
Rebelo de Sousa, a former leader of the center-right Social Democratic Party, has worked closely with the socialist government of the center-left minority and support their pandemic efforts. He has also made himself popular with the Portuguese with his relaxed style.
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Photos taken of him by passers-by in public places, such as one last year standing in line at a supermarket in sneakers and shorts, routinely go viral.
Every Portuguese President since 1976, when universal suffrage was introduced after the withdrawal of a dictatorship, was returned for a second term. No woman or member of an ethnic minority ever holds office.
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