Portugal holds a presidential runoff election as deadly storms disrupt voting in some areas, with the moderate favourite expected to defeat his far-right rival.
LISBON: PORTUGAL began voting in a presidential runoff election on Sunday, with the campaign and voting process disrupted by recent deadly storms.
At least 14 of the worst-affected constituencies have postponed voting for nearly 32,000 people by one week.
Socialist candidate Antonio Jose Seguro (pic, left) is widely expected to defeat far-right leader Andre Ventura, though the far-right’s final score will be closely watched.
Ventura’s Chega party, created in 2019, is now the largest opposition force in parliament.
The storms and gales have killed at least seven people and left an estimated EUR 4 billion in damage.
A 46-year-old emergency services volunteer became the latest victim on Saturday while trying to cross a flooded zone.
Ventura, who is trailing in polls, called the political leadership “useless” and demanded the election be postponed.
His demand was rejected, and Seguro accused him of “doing everything to keep the Portuguese from turning out to vote”.
One opinion poll last Wednesday placed Seguro on 67% support ahead of the runoff.
He won the first round with 31.1% of the vote, ahead of Ventura on 23.5%.
Prime Minister Luis Montenegro said the storms caused a “devastating crisis” but that voting could proceed.
Outgoing president Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa noted the last election proceeded despite the coronavirus pandemic.
Montenegro’s minority centre-right government declined to endorse either candidate after its contender was eliminated.
Both Seguro and Ventura have focused their final campaigns on towns and villages worst hit by the storm damage.
Ventura has attacked the government’s storm response, while Seguro said he was “shocked” by the state’s recovery efforts.
