Portugal's early voting sees record turnout, ministry affirms 'values of democracy'

A huge 250,000 voters turnout was witnessed in early balloting for Portugal's presidential election scheduled for January 24, ANI reported, citing Portugal’s Ministry of Internal ministration. “I see enthusiasm in those almost 250,000 Portuguese who registered for early voting,” minister of Internal ministration Eduardo Cabrita said. He ded, “It means that, in very difficult times, in times when we focus on combating pandemic, we also have to affirm values of democracy.” massive turnout comes amid Portugal’s government’s orders for countrywide lockdown imposed last week due to a record-breaking surge in coronavirus infections. 

As many as seven candidates including incumbent President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa are contesting in upcoming Sunday’s polls. Portugal temporarily lifted national lockdown and travel restrictions for early voting day and election day. In an visory, however, Portuguese government cautioned citizens against assembly in a large garing outside polling booths and here to social distancing. elderly citizens that fell under high-risk groups, home care residents, and those that were confined to isolation due to contact with COVID-19 positive patients were vised to cast a paper ballot which would be collected by health officials. 

[Incumbent President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa is widely expected to win. Credit: Twitter/@electo_mania]

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Porto Moniz h 'fewest' voter registrations

With  33,364 votes, Lisbon witnessed record-breaking turnout, followed by Porto, with 13,280, and Coimbra, with 9,201, country’s Ministry of Internal Affairs told local brocaster Portugal Resident. municipality of Porto Moniz, in Meira, recorded fewest registrations with only 8 voter turnout. Norast, São Miguel, in Azores witnessed 9 voters, meanwhile Barrancos, district of Beja, recorded only 14 voter registrations.

Citizens were asked to sign up for early polls a week ahe of scheduled date and were asked to carry ir own pens and sanitise hands before and after use of public electoral equipments. total number of voter registration qurupled compared with 2019 parliamentary elections when 56,287 citizens registered to vote. Reports project incumbent Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa’s win and predict his second term. leer recently recovered from COVID-19 infection and was ministered with 2 negative tests last week. 

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