Portugal's centre-right Democratic Alliance (AD) is poised to win the most votes in the country's parliamentary elections, but is far from an outright majority, three exit polls show.
An opinion poll released by three major television stations SIC, RTP and TVI after voting closed at 8pm (20:00 GMT) on Sunday showed the AD party slightly ahead of the incumbent Socialist Party, with a range of 27.6% to 33%. It was shown that
Opinion polls predicted that all right-wing parties, including far-right party Chega, were likely to secure a combined majority.
Chega is likely to win by 14% to 21.6%, a significant increase from 7.2% in the previous election in January 2022.
However, AD has so far ruled out any agreement with Chega that could destabilize the regime.
Opinion polls show that the Socialist Party's approval rating ranges from 24.2% to 29.5%.
The far right could help form a coalition government
Issues that dominated the campaign included the devastating housing crisis, low wages, poor health care, and corruption.
The Social Democratic Party and the Socialist Party have been in power alternately for decades, but this is the first time they have faced such a strong challenge from a far-right party.
Luis Montenegro, leader of the Social Democratic Party who is likely to become prime minister if the alliance wins, ruled out teaming up with Chega during the election campaign.
However, if Montenegro is unable to form a majority government, Mr. Chega's involvement may increase and he may remain as kingmaker.
Far-right party may withdraw controversial proposal
Chega leader Andre Ventura, a former law professor and TV soccer pundit, has outlined some of his party's most controversial proposals, including introducing chemical castration and life sentences for some sex offenders. He said he was prepared to withdraw it if the party was able to do so. It is also possible that it will form a governing alliance with other centre-right parties.
But his insistence on national sovereignty rather than closer European Union integration and plans to give police the right to strike are other issues that could hamper his ambitions to form a coalition government.
The Chega party is trying to take advantage of the corruption allegations that have dogged the two major political parties.
The general election was triggered by the sudden resignation of Socialist Prime Minister Antonio Costa amid a corruption investigation.
This episode appears to have hurt the Socialist Party at the voting booth.
Low wages and high costs of living (made worse by soaring inflation and interest rates last year), combined with a housing crisis and a failing public health system, are compounding public dissatisfaction.
Discontent is further fueled by Chega, who is likely to benefit the most from the current public mood.