Lisboa Sees 79% Voter Turnout by 6 PM in Early Legislative Elections

Lisboa's early voting for the legislative elections saw a significant turnout, with 79% of registered voters casting their ballots by 6 PM, as reported by Carlos Moedas, the Mayor of Lisboa and a member of the PSD. This figure reflects the participation of 39,259 voters registered for early mobile voting.

Key Highlights from the Voting Process

• Increased Participation: Compared to the 2024 European elections, which had a 76% turnout, this election marks an increase in civic engagement among Portuguese citizens.
• Non-Resident Voters: More than half of the voters (53%, approximately 15,000 people) were not residents of Lisboa, showcasing the effectiveness of the mobile voting system.
• Smooth Operation: The electoral process proceeded without any reported incidents, with 123 voting sections set up across the University City, including locations like the Aula Magna and various faculties.

The Bigger Picture

Over 333,000 voters across Portugal took advantage of the early voting option for the May 18 legislative elections, setting a record high since the introduction of this voting modality. 21 political forces are competing in these elections, representing a wide spectrum of political ideologies.

Notable figures such as João Cotrim Figueiredo (former president of IL) and Catarina Martins (former coordinator of BE) were among those who voted early, emphasizing the importance of these elections.