Party's preferred candidate currently holds heavier voting intent, according to poll measurement

In the lead-up to the local elections in Portugal this year, a comprehensive study has shed light on various aspects of voter behaviour and preferences. Conducted by DOMP, S.A. for the Francisco Manuel dos Santos Foundation between February 3 and April 3, 2025, the study offers valuable insights into the electoral landscape.

The study, which involved a total of 1,070 interviews, boasts a 3% margin of error at a 95% confidence level. Respondents were Portuguese-speaking residents of continental Portugal, aged 18 or older, with access to a phone network or the internet.

One of the standout findings is the preference for female candidates, albeit a slight one, as women represented only 19% of the heads of lists for local elections and 9.4% of the elected chamber presidents in 2021. This discrepancy between preference and representation is a point of interest for many.

Another significant finding is the high levels of abstention in local elections, but the majority (69%) of respondents affirm they will certainly vote in this year's local elections. This suggests a renewed interest in local politics among the Portuguese populace.

The personalization of local policy is more important than partisan symbols to voters. Professional experience, the candidate's sex, and partisan affiliation are at the bottom of the list of factors influencing voting decisions. Instead, ethical behaviour, ideological orientation, and leadership style are the most valued attributes of candidates.

The emergence of citizens' lists and the strengthening of independent candidacies have changed the local political field. Perceived effectiveness, reputation, and community ties are now gaining more weight over partisan loyalty.

Interestingly, residents in non-urban territories attribute less impact to municipal chamber elections compared to urban residents. This skepticism about the effectiveness of municipal policies in low-density territories may reflect a perception that the most relevant decisions are still being made at other levels of government.

The interviews were collected via online survey (61%) and by phone (39%). Among the factors that influence voters' voting intentions, the performance of the municipal chamber and the personal characteristics of the candidates stand out.

Quotas were applied based on sex, age, region, level of urbanization, place of birth, and level of education to ensure a diverse sample. Civil society organizations, opposition councilors, and citizens themselves are considered the least influential actors.

The majority of respondents (79% in urban territories, 69% in non-urban territories) believe that municipal chamber elections impact their lives. Many voters who identify with specific parties admit they could vote for another party if they consider the candidate to be better.

Parish assemblies are considered more relevant than municipal assemblies by participants, due to their perceived visibility, proximity, and involvement in daily issues. Although chamber presidents are perceived as the main decision-makers, other actors like the Government, ruling party's councilors, and municipal assemblies are also pointed out as having influence.

However, it's worth noting that the foundation that financed the report on the local elections in Portugal in 2025 is not mentioned in the provided search results. Additionally, the report does not mention any free event postponing Porto's local congress this weekend.

In conclusion, the study offers a comprehensive picture of the Portuguese local elections landscape, highlighting voter preferences, the changing political landscape, and the perceived impact of municipal elections on citizens' lives.

Party's preferred candidate currently holds heavier voting intent, according to poll measurement