Ventura Eyes Leadership Despite Electoral Defeat; Vows Unconstrained Presidency
André Ventura achieved notable success in the recent presidential elections, despite the overall defeat. His party, Chega, secured victories in 137 parishes across Portugal, along with wins in two municipalities, Elvas and São Vicente.
Key Electoral Highlights
The elections culminated in a victory for António José Seguro. However, Ventura’s performance was impressive in certain areas. His party led in São Vicente, Madeira, where Ventura received 53.92% of the votes. This municipality is notable as Chega controls the local government there.
Major Municipal Wins
- São Vicente: 53.92% of the votes
- Elvas: Achieved 50.85%, a majority relative, adding 784 votes from the first round
Alongside these municipalities, Ventura’s party also performed well across various parishes. The highest support came from:
- Pacó (Vinhais)
- Cobro (Mirandela)
- Cimbre (Armamar)
- Aveloso (Mêda)
Each of these areas recorded fewer than 100 votes, highlighting Ventura’s concentrated support in specific localities.
Poor Performance Areas
While Ventura celebrated victories in many regions, some areas showed minimal support. The worst results were in two parishes on the island of Flores:
- Caveira (Santa Cruz das Flores) – only 1 vote
- Mosteiro (Lajes das Flores) – only 1 vote
Future Implications
Despite the electoral defeat, Ventura remains optimistic about his presidency. He emphasized his commitment to an “unconstrained presidency,” focusing on strengthening his party’s influence moving forward. This determination suggests that Ventura will continue to play a significant role in Portuguese politics.
