Local elections: The duels, the bets and the unknowns

The country is awash with construction projects, asphalt needs to be laid, flowerbeds and sidewalks are being repaired, posters are increasingly visible, and social media is already buzzing. It smells like local elections. Even though the country's media spends most of its time talking about the January presidential elections, the party machines are focused on another date: October 12th. Right now, lists are being finalized, coalition agreements are still being finalized, and in some cases, candidates are still to be determined. But at the headquarters of the largest parties, maps already exist that show the critical points, the unknowns, and the most likely victories and defeats.

Coming off a massive electoral defeat and being the largest party in both chambers and parish councils, the Socialist Party (PS) is under particular pressure for the upcoming local elections. "Our goal remains to be the party with the most chambers and parishes, maintaining our leadership in the ANMP and ANAFRE. We have good prospects," one of those responsible for the Largo do Rato process told VISÃO.