Historic Early Voting in Portugal: Over 333,000 Cast Their Ballots Ahead of Legislative Elections

As the eighth day of the electoral campaign unfolds, Lisbon becomes the focal point for several political parties, with leaders making their presence felt across the district. This Sunday is particularly significant due to the unprecedented number of early voters—over 333,000—exercising their right to vote in advance for the legislative elections scheduled for May 18.

Key Campaign Activities Across Lisbon

• PSD's Luís Montenegro kicks off his day in Cantanhede but will later appear on SIC's program "Isto é Gozar com Quem Trabalha" from Oeiras.
• IL (Iniciativa Liberal) is set to hold a rally in the capital, emphasizing their campaign's momentum.
• BE (Bloco de Esquerda) plans an event titled "Mudar de Vida é uma Festa" at 16:00, showcasing their vision for change.
• PCP's Paulo Raimundo starts his day at a public session advocating for mobility rights at Terreiro do Paço.
• Livre's spokesperson visits the old Lusalite factory in Cruz Quebrada, Oeiras, highlighting industrial heritage.

Early Voting Hits Record Numbers

More than 333,000 voters have registered for early voting, marking a historic high since the option was introduced. This surge reflects the electorate's keen interest in shaping Portugal's political future ahead of the official election day.

Political Leaders Weigh In

• Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Portugal's President, expressed optimism about voter turnout, noting the high early voting numbers as a positive sign of civic engagement.
• André Ventura of Chega made headlines by declaring his intention to govern "authoritatively in some cases," sparking discussions on governance styles.
• Cotrim de Figueiredo from IL criticized the PS for lumping all right-wing opponents together, calling it a dangerous oversimplification.

What's Next?

With the campaign heating up, all eyes are on Lisbon as parties ramp up their efforts to sway undecided voters. The record early voting turnout sets the stage for what could be a highly contested election.