Portugal elects left-wing politician Antonio José Seguro as president

Portugal’s presidential election concluded with a decisive victory for left-wing politician Antonio José Seguro, who defeated far-right rival André Ventura.

Seguro, 63, leads the country’s Socialist Party, while Ventura, 43, is the head of the far-right Chega Party.

According to the Portuguese Election Commission, which announced the results on Sunday, 97 percent of votes were counted, with Seguro receiving 63 percent and Ventura 34 percent.

This election marked the second round of voting. The initial presidential election, scheduled for January 18, was partially disrupted by sudden floods in central and southern Portugal, leading the Election Commission to suspend voting in those areas.

Northern polling stations had gone ahead on that day, with around 37,000 voters casting ballots, representing 0.3 percent of the national electorate. The second round was subsequently held on February 7, incorporating the postponed votes.

Under Portugal’s political system, the president’s powers are limited but not entirely ceremonial. The president retains certain authorities, including the power to dissolve parliament in emergencies without the prime minister’s advice.

Al Jazeera