Ventura Dominates Portuguese Vote in Andorra with 69% in Election First Round

André Ventura, leader of the far-right Chega party, dominated voting among Portugal's residents in Andorra during the first round of the presidential election, securing over 69% of valid ballots cast at the Portuguese consulate in Prat de la Creu.

Of the 495 votes received through advance and in-person ballots over the weekend, four were blank and three invalid, leaving 488 valid votes for the nine candidates who received support. Ventura claimed 340 of these, or more than 69%. Socialist candidate António José Seguro came second with 48 votes, followed by retired military officer Henrique Eduardo de Gouveia e Melo with 37. Liberal João Cotrim received 23 votes, and PSD candidate Luís Marques Mendes, from Prime Minister Luís Montenegro's party, got 17. Left-wing Bloco de Esquerda's Catarina Martins, the sole female candidate, garnered eight votes, with the rest trailing far behind.

Nationally, Seguro led with just over 30% of the vote, ahead of Ventura's slightly more than 24%, according to preliminary tallies. Both advanced to the runoff on 8 February to succeed President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. The results bucked some expectations: Seguro halted the Socialist Party's (PS) recent decline, while a divided centre-right hurt the PSD, pushing Marques Mendes to fourth place overall and fifth in Andorra.

Voter turnout in Andorra appeared markedly higher than in previous elections, reflecting the race's high stakes. Portugal saw a modest national uptick in participation, driven by frustration with traditional parties. Analysts noted a broader shift toward populism and renewed left-wing appeal.

The second round could hinge on endorsements from eliminated liberals and PSD supporters, potentially widening Seguro's edge or propelling Ventura ahead. In Andorra, however, Ventura is poised to repeat his landslide among Portuguese residents.