THE leader of Portugal’s socialists won the first round of the country’s presidential election, it was announced today.

Antonio Jose Seguro won almost 31 per cent of the vote ahead of far-right candidate Andre Ventura, the leader of the Chega (Enough) party, who secured 24 per cent.

The two will face off in a second-round ballot between the two top candidates on February 8.

Nine other candidates ran in a record field in the presidential election, but none came close to the more than 50 per cent required for a first-round victory.

The winner will replace President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, who has served the limit of two five-year terms.

Mr Ventura has campaigned on an openly racist platform.

During the election campaign, Mr Ventura put up billboards across the country, saying “this isn’t Bangladesh” and “immigrants shouldn’t be allowed to live on welfare,” as well as “Portugal is ours.”

Such blatant anti-immigrant sentiment expressed in public was unthinkable in Portugal just a few years ago.

In Portugal, the president is largely a figurehead with no executive power. Mostly, the head of state aims to stand above the political fray, mediating disputes and defusing tensions.

However, the president is an influential voice and is able to veto legislation from parliament, although the veto can be overturned.