Seguro, who received backing from prominent conservatives after the first round amid concerns over what many see as Ventura’s populist, authoritarian tendencies, becomes the first Socialist head of state in 20 years, succeeding Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, ⁠a conservative, after two terms in office.

“The response the Portuguese people gave today, their commitment to freedom, democracy, and the future of our country, leaves me naturally moved and proud of our nation,” Seguro, 63, told reporters.

A succession of storms in recent days failed to deter voters, with turnout at about the same level as in the first round on January 18, even though several small municipalities had ‍to postpone voting by a week due to floods.

With 95 per cent of votes counted, Seguro garnered 66 per cent. Ventura trailed behind at 34 per cent, still ‍set to secure a much stronger result than the 22.8 per cent his anti-immigration Chega party achieved in last year’s general election.

Ballots in large cities such as Lisbon and Porto are counted towards the end. Two ‌exit polls placed Seguro in the 67 per cent to 73 per cent range and Ventura at 27 per cent to 33 per cent.

Last year, Chega became the second-largest parliamentary force, overtaking the Socialists and landing ‍behind the centre-right ruling alliance, which garnered 31.2 per cent.