PORTUGAL was headed for yet another minority government after the incumbent right-wing Democratic Alliance (DA) won a general election but failed to secure a majority in parliament.

The DA captured at least 89 seats in Portugal’s 230-seat National Assembly. It had been in power for less than a year when it was ousted in a confidence vote in March. 

It collected 80 seats in last year’s election.

DA leader Luis Montenegro, the incumbent prime minister, told supporters: “We all have to be able to speak to each other and put the national interest first,” and said he was willing to discuss solutions with other parties.

Portugal’s third general election in three years on Sunday dashed hopes that the ballot could end the worst spell of political instability for decades in the country of 10.6 million people.

The election saw a surge in support for the far-right Chega, which won at least 58 seats, with its focus on curbing immigration and cracking down on corruption.

The socialists were contemplating possibly their worst result since 1987, also gaining at least 58 seats. Socialist leader Pedro Nuno Santos announced he was standing down.

The Portuguese Communist Party won three seats in the election. 

Portugal is one of western Europe’s poorest countries. The average monthly salary last year was about €1,200 (£1,000) before tax, according to the statistics agency.