Latest Opinion Poll for Portugal's Election (ICS/ISCTE, April 14, 2025)

April 5, 2025 - April 14, 2025

803 respondents

Next General election in Portugal: 2029

The next General election in Portugal is expected in 2029.

Portugal's Incumbent Government Lacks Majority

Based on the ICS/ISCTE projection, the incumbent governing parties would currently secure 35.7% of the parliamentary seats.

Quality Check: How Reliable is the ICS/ISCTE Projection?

Potential Majorities and Coalition Scenarios

No Electoral Threshold

There is no electoral threshold for the election in Portugal.

Aliança Democrática + Partido Socialista
Centre
67.0%
Aliança Democrática + Chega
Right
58.3%

Projected Parliamentary Composition (Source: ICS/ISCTE)

According to :institute, 8 parties are projected to surpass the electoral threshold and enter the Portuguese parliament: Aliança Democrática with 82 representatives, Partido Socialista with 72 representatives, Chega with 52 representatives, Iniciativa Liberal with 10 representatives, Bloco de Esquerda with 4 representatives, CDU with 4 representatives, PAN with 4 representatives and LIVRE with 2 representatives.

The Electoral System in Portugal

Portugal's Parliament, the Assembleia da República, comprises 230 members elected for a four-year term. The electoral system is based on proportional representation, dividing the nation into 22 constituencies: the mainland districts, the autonomous regions of the Azores and Madeira, and two for overseas voters. Seats are allocated using the D'Hondt method. Portugal employs closed party lists, meaning voters select a party's slate of candidates without directly influencing the order of individual nominees.

Electoral Thresholds

A distinctive feature of Portugal's electoral system is the absence of a formal legal threshold at the national level, unlike the 5% hurdle seen in Germany. The de facto barrier for parliamentary entry arises from the size of each constituency and the number of seats allocated, creating a 'natural quorum.' This means smaller parties have realistic chances in populous districts such as Lisbon or Porto, while in the smaller, inland districts, only the strongest political forces typically secure representation.

Government Formation and Traditions

In Portugal, the President of the Republic appoints the Prime Minister after consulting with parliamentary parties and considering the election results. Since outright majorities are uncommon, coalition or minority governments frequently form. A well-known model is the 'Geringonça,' an informal arrangement where left-wing parties supported a minority government. While the government does not require a formal vote of confidence to assume office, it can be brought down by the rejection of its program or a parliamentary vote of no confidence.

Data Sources and Methodology

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