Reminds citizens of ‘situations’ and problems developing overseas
President Marcelo has addressed the nation this evening, on Portugal’s day of reflection, to insist on the importance of citizens exercising their right to vote.
The international context (the wars in Ukraine/ Middle East/ the conflict in the Red Sea/ the American elections – and the possibility that prices will rise again, and with them interest rates) – were all mentioned as reasons for voters to ‘make the choices’ and help Portugal move into its second half century of democracy, with the ‘stability’ that this country will need.
Reading between the lines, Marcelo was trying to draw people’s attentions away from the minutiae of the last few weeks of intense electioneering on very local issues to show that the world is moving perilously on, and this country needs a solid government behind it.
Said SIC Notícias in its report on Marcelo’s seven minutes at the podium: “Addressing those who “in recent months haven’t paid attention to what’s going on out there” and the “many who have drifted away and become disillusioned”, Marcelo said that it is at times like these that it is most important to vote”.
Portugal’s ‘urns’ open tomorrow morning at 8am, and remain open until 7pm – thus the chances are that ‘results’ will be known by the end of the night/ early Monday morning.
There are more than 10.8 million Portuguese eligible to vote in these elections, and 18 political forces on the ballot paper: PS, Aliança Democrática (PSD/CDS/PPM), CHEGA, IL, BE, CDU (PCP/PEV), PAN, LIVRE, Nós, Cidadãos!, Alternativa 21 (MPT/Aliança), ADN, PTP, RIR, JPP, Ergue-te, Nova Direita, Volt Portugal and PCTP/MRPP.
In all, there will be 13.182 polling stations. These elections have been pegged at costing €24 million. ND
