Portugal’s presidential runoff election on February 8 is facing scrutiny following allegations of campaign interference targeting voters abroad. Presidential candidate António José Seguro‘s campaign has formally complained to the National Electoral Commission (CNE) about what they claim is an illegal effort to sway voters in Paris. The complaint alleges a local business is offering free transportation and refreshments to citizens casting ballots at the French consulate, raising concerns about undue influence and compliance with electoral laws. the CNE is now considering whether to investigate the matter and take corrective action.
Portuguese presidential candidate António José Seguro’s campaign has filed a complaint with the National Electoral Commission (CNE) alleging illegal campaigning practices aimed at influencing voters abroad. The complaint centers on the alleged offer of transportation and food to Portuguese citizens in Paris to encourage them to vote in the upcoming presidential runoff election.
Paulo Pisco, a former Socialist Party lawmaker representing Europeans abroad, brought the issue to the CNE’s attention, citing the “publicity of free transportation for voters to cast their ballots at the Paris consulate” on February 8.
The alleged initiative is being promoted by a business identified as La Lusitanie – Rotisserie – Épicerie, located in Créil, north of Paris, according to the complaint.
Pisco stated that the advertisements “offer free bus seats, with reservations made through a telephone number that matches that of La Lusitanie.” He included a poster and a social media post from the company as evidence.
In addition to the free transportation, voters are also reportedly being offered “food items (snacks) before or after voting,” Pisco added.
The poster advertises free bus service to Paris on February 8, along with a complimentary snack.
Seguro’s campaign emphasized that the general rule is for voters to travel to polling stations independently, and that “organized public transportation is only permitted in exceptional circumstances to ensure access to voting locations.”
“Such behavior is likely to be considered a serious violation of electoral rules and appears to be aimed at influencing voters and the outcome of the election, violating the principles of free suffrage and equal opportunities for candidates,” the campaign stated.
Pisco further pointed out that “the violation of electoral laws is clearly stated” in Article 143 of the Law on the Election of the President of the Republic and Article 341 of the Penal Code, both of which “provide for hefty financial and prison penalties.”
Seguro’s campaign has requested that the CNE take “immediate action to stop the practice and investigate those responsible, given the seriousness of the allegations.”
Portuguese citizens are currently choosing between António José Seguro, who received 31.11% (1,755,563 votes) in the first round, and André Ventura, who garnered 23.52% (1,327,021 votes) in the first round.
Voting takes place on February 8, with advance voting having concluded on Sunday.
The winner of the second round will succeed Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, who was elected in 2016 and will complete his second term in March.
The allegations of campaign interference come as Portugal prepares to select its next president, a process closely watched by the Portuguese diaspora and with potential implications for the country’s future diplomatic direction. The complaint highlights concerns about maintaining the integrity of the electoral process and ensuring fair access to voting for all citizens.
