The 2021 Portuguese Social Democratic Party leadership election was held on 27 November.[1] If no candidate achieved more than 50% of the votes in the first round, a second round would be held between the two most voted candidates in the first round on 1 December, however, as only two candidates will be on the ballot, a second round will not be necessary. The original date for the first round was 4 December, but the party decided to advance the date by a week.
Quick Facts Turnout, Candidate ...
2021 Social Democratic Party leadership election|
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Turnout | 78.2% 0.8 pp |
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One issue identified during the campaign was the rise of the far-right Chega!. Though neither candidate said they would invite the party into government, Rio signalled he would be open to negotiating with them on a case-by-case basis,[2] while Rangel ruled this out, saying he would only negotiate with CDS – People's Party and Liberal Initiative.[3]
Rui Rio defeated Paulo Rangel by a 52.4% to 47.6% margin and was reelected for a 3rd term as party leader.[4] He led the party into the 2022 snap general elections, which he lost, losing 2 seats in the Assembly of the Republic and that resulted in an absolute majority to the Socialist Party.