Socialist defeats far-right candidate in Portugal’s presidential runoff, exit polls show

Moderate Socialist Antonio Jose Seguro appears to be headed for a landslide victory in Portugal’s presidential runoff, with two exit polls putting him in the 67 percent to 73% range, well ahead of his far-right, anti-establishment rival Andre Ventura.

The exit polls conducted for television channels RTP, SIC and TVI/CNN place Ventura at 27%-33%, still a better result than the 22.8% his anti-immigration Chega party achieved in last year’s general election.

Last year, Chega became the second-largest parliamentary force, overtaking the Socialists and landing behind the center-right ruling alliance, which garnered 31.2%.

Despite his loss today, 43-year-old Ventura, a charismatic former TV sports commentator, can now boast increased support, reflecting the growing influence of the far right in Portugal and much of Europe.

The presidency is a largely ceremonial role in Portugal but wields some key powers, including, in some circumstances, to dissolve parliament, to call a snap parliamentary election, and to veto legislation.