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Portugal
- Boundary Delimitation
- Direct Democracy
- Electoral Management
- Electoral Systems
- Legislative Framework
- Media and Elections
- Parties and Candidates
- Vote Counting
- Voter Education
- Voting Operations
- Voter Registration
Boundary Delimitation
BD01 Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
b. No, existing regional/provincial/other boundaries are used
Comments: The constitutencies correspond to the country's administrative districts. There are 22 multi-member constituencies.
Source: L14/79, 12th
Last updated: Fri, 07 Jun 2002 09:35:01 GMT
BD02 The authority responsible for final approval of the constituency boundaries is:
e. Not applicable
Comments: The constituencies correspond to the country's administrative districts.
Source: L14/79, 12th
Last updated: Fri, 07 Jun 2002 09:34:09 GMT
BD03 On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
g. Other
Comments: Constituencies correspond to the country's administrative districts.
Source: DL14/79, 12th
Last updated: Fri, 07 Jun 2002 09:35:45 GMT
BD04 If population is a criterion, which population figure is used?
g. Not applicable
Comments: Constituencies correspond to the country's administrative districts.
Source: DL14/79, 12th
Last updated: Fri, 07 Jun 2002 09:36:16 GMT
Direct Democracy
DD01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
a. Name and Title: Domingos Magalhaes
b. Job Title: Director of Services
c. Organisation: STAPE
d. Contact Address. Av D. Carlos I, 134
e. Telephone: +351-213947100
f. Facsimile: +351-213909264
g. Email: [email protected]
Last updated: 2005-04-20 09:04:48 UTC
DD02 Which forms of direct democracy, if any, are currently possible at the national level?
Please check the glossary for the definition of the following terms:
b. Optional referendum
c. Citizens' initiative
Comments: At the Parliament website http://www.parlamento.pt/ingles/cons_leg/crp_ing/index.html see the Constitution (english version updated in 1997). The review in 1989 introduced the optional referendum under severe constraints. The reviews in 1992 and 1997 adapted the text of the Constitution to the principles of the Treaties of European Union, introducing, amongst other things, electoral rights for foreign citizens, the possibility of creating single-member constituencies and the right of citizens to initiate legislation. In 1998 two referendums were conducted in June and November (on abortion – 1 question and on devolution and regions – 2 questions) and in both occasions the minimum percentage of the entire electorate was not attained. Additional information http://www.stape.pt/resultref/refnac_28jun98.htm and http://www.stape.pt/resultref/refnac_8nov98.htm . The results here http://www.stape.pt/resultref/res_refnac_28jun98.htm and http://www.stape.pt/resultref/res_refnac_8nov98.htm . No citizens’ initiative till now. A referendum for the approval of the European Constitution is expected in 2005/6 (legislature initiative). See Constitution, art. 115: Article 115 Referenda 1. In cases provided for in, and as laid down by, this Constitution and the law, following a proposal from the Assembly of the Republic or the Government in relation to matters that fall under their respective responsibilities, the President of the Republic may decide to call upon citizens who are registered to vote in Portuguese territory to directly and bindingly pronounce themselves by referendum. 2. Referenda may also be held on the initiative of citizens who submit a request to the Assembly of the Republic. Such requests shall be submitted and considered under the terms and within the time limits laid down by law. 3. The object of a referendum shall be limited to important issues concerning the national interest upon which the Assembly of the Republic or the Government must decide by passing an international agreement or by passing legislation. 4. The following shall not be subject to referendum: a) Alterations to this Constitution; b) Issues and acts with a budgetary, tax-related or financial content; c) The matters provided for in Article 161, without prejudice to the provisions of the following paragraph; d) The matters provided for in Article 164, save the provisions of subparagraph i). 5. The provisions of the previous paragraph shall not prejudice the submission to referendum of such important issues concerning the national interest as should be the object of an international agreement pursuant to Article 161i, except when they concern peace or the rectification of borders. 6. Each referendum shall only address one matter. Questions shall be objectively, clearly and precisely formulated, shall solicit yes or no answers, and shall not exceed a maximum number to be laid down by law. The law shall also lay down the other terms governing the formulation and holding of referenda. 7. Referenda shall not be called or held between the dates on which general elections for the bodies that exercise sovereign power, elections for the self-government bodies of the autonomous regions, for local authority bodies and for Members of the European Parliament are called and those on which they are held. 8. The President of the Republic shall submit all draft referenda submitted to him by the Assembly of the Republic or the Government, to compulsory prior determination of their constitutionality and legality. 9. The provisions of Article 113(1), (2), (3), (4) and (7) shall apply to referenda, mutatis mutandis. 10. Draft referenda that are refused by the President of the Republic or are negatived by the electorate shall not be resubmitted during the same legislative session, save new elections to the Assembly of the Republic, or until the Government resigns or is removed. 11. Referenda shall only be binding in the event that the number of voters exceeds half the number of registered electors. 12. Citizens who reside abroad and are properly registered to vote under the provisions of Article 121(2) shall be called upon to take part in referenda that address matters which specifically also concern them. 13. Referenda may be regional in scope, in accordance with Article 232(2).
Last updated: 2007-01-09 09:33:30 UTC
DD03 What is the legal basis for mandatory referendums at the national level?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-04-20 09:07:35 UTC
DD04 What is the legal basis for optional referendums at the national level?
a. Constitutional
Comments: It should be mentioned since there is no question about this constraint “Referenda shall not be called or carried out between the dates for calling and carrying out a general election for the organs with supreme authority [President and Parliament] or the organs of self-government of the autonomous regions or of local government or for the European Parliament.” Portuguese Constitution article 115 nr 7. Due to the annoucement of the European referendum several opinions expressed the view that the constraint should be lifted, in order that a referendum could occur simultaneously with local general elections next October (2005). See question R.9 for a related remark . It should be mentioned that some political parties backed by constitutionalists showed strong opposition.
Last updated: 2007-01-09 09:33:30 UTC
DD05 What is the legal basis for citizens' initiatives at the national level?
a. Constitutional
Comments: It should be mentioned since there is no question about this constraint “Referenda shall not be called or carried out between the dates for calling and carrying out a general election for the organs with supreme authority [President and Parliament] or the organs of self-government of the autonomous regions or of local government or for the European Parliament.” Portuguese Constitution article 115 nr 7. Due to the annoucement of the European referendum several opinions expressed the view that the constraint should be lifted, in order that a referendum could occur simultaneously with local general elections next October (2005). See question R.9 for a related remark . It should be mentioned that some political parties backed by constitutionalists showed strong opposition.
Last updated: 2007-01-09 09:33:30 UTC
DD06 What is the legal basis for agenda initiatives at the national level?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-04-20 09:09:11 UTC
DD07 What is the legal basis for recalls at the national level?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-04-20 09:09:54 UTC
DD08 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for mandatory referendums at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-04-20 09:10:36 UTC
DD09 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for optional referendums at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
b. Specific laws/legislation
Last updated: 2005-04-20 09:11:01 UTC
DD10 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for citizens' initiatives at the national level?
Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
b. Specific laws/legislation
Last updated: 2005-04-20 09:11:20 UTC
DD102 What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a referendum?
b. Sample of signatures checked
Last updated: 2005-04-27 09:01:30 UTC
DD103 What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a citizens' initiative?
b. Sample of signatures checked
Last updated: 2005-04-27 09:01:51 UTC
DD104 What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a recall?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-04-27 09:02:40 UTC
DD105 Who is responsible for checking the signatures?
d. Other (specify)
Comments: Public Administration services at request of Parliament.
Source: Article 17.
Last updated: 2005-04-20 10:52:07 UTC
DD106 Which organisation(s), if any, is responsible for running non-partisan information or voter education campaigns to inform voters about the issue being addressed in a referendum?
f. Other (specify)
Comments: Election Commission.
Last updated: 2005-04-27 09:03:47 UTC
DD107 Which organisation(s), if any, is responsible for running non-partisan information or voter education campaigns to inform voters about the issue being addressed in an initiative?
f. Other (specify)
Comments: Election Commission.
Last updated: 2005-04-27 09:04:06 UTC
DD108 Which organisation(s), if any, is responsible for running non-partisan information or voter education campaigns to inform voters about the issue being addressed in a recall?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-04-27 09:04:17 UTC
DD109 What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for a referendum?
a. Information booklets
b. Leaflets and pamphlets
c. Radio broadcasts
d. TV broadcasts
e. Press advertisements
f. Website
g. Other(specify)
Comments: g. Outdoors. No citizens’ initiative till now (A referendum may also be held on the initiative of citizens, directed to the Assembly of the Republic, which shall be presented and considered under the terms and within the periods determined by law). A referendum resulting from a citizens initiative would receive the same non-partisan campaign.
Source: Constitution article 115, nr 2.
Last updated: 2007-01-09 09:33:30 UTC
DD11 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for agenda initiatives at the national level?
Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-04-20 09:12:23 UTC
DD111 What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for a recall?
i. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-04-27 09:06:58 UTC
DD112 Which of the following controls, if any, apply in relation to campaigning for or against the issue being addressed in a referendum?
a. Compulsory registration of campaigners and campaign groups
b. Expenditure limits
c. Contribution limits
d. Restrictions on the sources of contributions
e. Disclosure requirements
Last updated: 2005-04-27 09:07:49 UTC
DD114 Which of the following controls, if any, apply in relation to campaigning for or against the issue being addressed in a recall?
h. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-04-27 09:12:19 UTC
DD115 What is the period during which these controls apply for a referendum?
a. Fixed time period (specify)
Comments: 15 days after the decree of the referendum until 90 days after the official results are published.
Last updated: 2005-04-27 09:09:29 UTC
DD117 What is the period during which these controls apply for a recall?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-04-27 09:11:16 UTC
DD118 Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for a referendum? Specify in the “Comments” section below.
c. All campaign organisations
Last updated: 2005-04-27 09:13:38 UTC
DD12 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for recalls at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-04-20 09:12:55 UTC
DD120 Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for a recall? Specify in the “Comments” section below.
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-04-27 09:15:06 UTC
DD121 Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for a referendum?
Specify in the “Comments” section below.
b. Free media access
e. Other (specify)
Comments: e. Fixed phone.
Source: The referendum law nr 15-A/98, 3-April.
Last updated: 2005-04-27 09:15:56 UTC
DD123 Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for a recall?
Specify in the “Comments” section below.
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-04-27 09:17:35 UTC
DD124 If free media access is provided, what are the criteria for allocating broadcast time / printing space?
a. Radios and televisions networks, newspapers equal time/space for those groups and political parties registered by the Elections Commission as campaign participants.
Last updated: 2005-04-20 10:57:22 UTC
DD125 Is the government permitted to campaign either in favour of or against any specific outcome to a referendum, initiatives or recall vote?
b. No
Comments: Article 45. Neutrality and impartiality of public entities.
Last updated: 2005-04-20 10:58:24 UTC
DD126 What restrictions or controls, if any, are there on media coverage of the campaign and/or issue during the relevant period?
a. A
Source: Article 54.
Last updated: 2006-04-10 21:15:02 UTC
DD127 What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign for a recall?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-04-20 11:05:22 UTC
DD13 When were direct democracy mechanisms first introduced into the legal framework at the national level?
Date (yyyy)
b. Optional referendum 1989, 1997
c. Citizens' initiative 1997
Last updated: 2005-04-20 09:13:51 UTC
DD14 When was an administrative framework for direct democracy mechanisms first introduced at the national level? Date (yyyy)
b. Optional referendum 1998
c. Citizens' initiative 1998
Last updated: 2005-04-20 09:14:26 UTC
DD15 Who is responsible for managing the administration of direct democracy mechanisms at the national level?
a. Government (specify department)
Comments: STAPE – Ministry of Domestic Affairs (Interior).
Last updated: 2005-04-20 09:15:00 UTC
DD16 Does this agency/department also manage the administration of national elections?
a. Yes
Last updated: 2005-04-20 09:15:26 UTC
DD17 Are mandatory referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Comments: See comments in A.1.1.: “The review in 1989 introduced the optional referendum under severe constraints.”
Last updated: 2005-04-27 08:44:03 UTC
DD18 Are optional referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
a. Yes, in all regions/states/provinces
Comments: See comments in A.1.1.: “The review in 1989 introduced the optional referendum under severe constraints.”
Last updated: 2005-04-27 08:43:40 UTC
DD19 Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Comments: See comments in A.1.1.: “The review in 1989 introduced the optional referendum under severe constraints.”
Last updated: 2005-04-27 08:44:43 UTC
DD20 Are agenda initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Comments: See comments in A.1.1.: “The review in 1989 introduced the optional referendum under severe constraints.”
Last updated: 2005-04-27 08:45:13 UTC
DD21 Are recalls currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Comments: See comments in A.1.1.: “The review in 1989 introduced the optional referendum under severe constraints.”
Last updated: 2005-04-27 08:45:28 UTC
DD22 Are mandatory referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2005-04-27 09:19:31 UTC
DD23 Are optional referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
a. Yes, in all municipalities/districts/communes
Comments: See A.8.2.
Last updated: 2005-04-27 09:20:49 UTC
DD24 Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2005-04-27 09:21:29 UTC
DD25 Are agenda initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2005-04-27 09:21:49 UTC
DD26 Are recalls currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2005-04-27 09:22:12 UTC
DD27 What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are mandatory at the national level?
k. None
Last updated: 2005-04-20 09:19:07 UTC
DD28 What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are optional at the national level?
k. None
Comments: Constitution article 115, nr 3 “ The only subjects for a referendum shall be those matters of national interest in respect of which the power of decision rests with the Assembly of the Republic or the Government through the approval of an international convention or the enactment of legislation.”
Last updated: 2007-01-09 09:33:30 UTC
DD29 Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of referendums at the national level?
a. Constitutional amendments
d. National sovereignty, national self-determination
h. Taxes and public expenditure commitments
i. Other public policy issues
Comments: Constitution article 115, nr 4.
Last updated: 2005-04-20 09:21:19 UTC
DD31 Who can initiate a referendum at the national level?
a. Government
c. President
d. Legislative majority
e. Registered electors
Comments: Decision of the President of the Republic following a proposal by the Assembly of the Republic or by the Government. A referendum may also be held on the initiative of citizens.
Source: Constitution article 115, nr 1 and 2 ; article 134 c. (personal powers of the President).
Last updated: 2007-01-09 09:33:30 UTC
DD32 Who is responsible for drafting the mandatory referendum question?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-04-20 09:28:31 UTC
DD33 Who is responsible for drafting the optional referendum question?
a. Government (specify department)
c. President
d. Legislature
e. Registered electors
Comments: a. No specific department.
Last updated: 2005-04-20 09:29:28 UTC
DD34 Which of the following, if any, are required to be included in the mandatory referendum question?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-04-20 09:30:55 UTC
DD35 Which of the following, if any, are required to be included in the optional referendum question?
e. Other (specify)
Comments: The questions shall be formulated in objective terms, and clearly and precisely and so as to permit an answer of yes or no.
Last updated: 2005-04-20 09:32:24 UTC
DD36 Which institution(s) decides on the final form of the ballot text for mandatory referendums?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-04-20 09:32:50 UTC
DD37 Which institution(s) decides on the final form of the ballot text for optional referendums?
e. Other (specify who)
Comments: Constitutional court.
Source: Constitution article 115, nr 8.
Last updated: 2005-04-20 09:33:56 UTC
DD38 What, if any, are the quorum requirements for a mandatory referendum to be valid? Please specify numbers/percentages.
d. Not applicable (X)
Last updated: 2005-04-20 09:34:22 UTC
DD39 What, if any, are the quorum requirements for a optional referendum to be valid? Please specify numbers/percentages.
a. Turnout quorum (X)
Comments: Due to the annoucement of the European referendum several opinions expressed the view that the quorum requirement should be lifted, denying the abstentionists their veto power.
Last updated: 2007-01-09 09:33:30 UTC
DD40 What are the requirements for mandatory referendums to pass?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-04-20 09:35:40 UTC
DD41 What are the requirements for optional referendums to pass?
a. Simple majority (>50%)
Comments: A referendum shall only have binding force where the number of voters is greater than one half of the voters registered in the electoral roll.
Source: Constitution article 115, nr 11.
Last updated: 2007-01-09 09:33:30 UTC
DD43 When is the outcome of a mandatory referendum binding?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-04-20 09:38:52 UTC
DD44 When is the outcome of an optional referendum binding?
a. Always
Last updated: 2005-04-20 09:39:06 UTC
DD45 Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the citizens' initiative process at the national level?
b. Legislative proposals
Last updated: 2005-04-20 09:40:40 UTC
DD46 Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the agenda initiative process at the national level?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-04-20 09:40:58 UTC
DD47 Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of a citizens' initiative at the national level?
a. Constitutional amendments
d. National sovereignty, national self-determination
h. Taxes and public expenditure commitments
i. Other public policy issues
Source: Constitution article 115, nr 4.
Last updated: 2005-04-20 09:42:30 UTC
DD49 Who may propose the registration of a citizens' initiative?
Please specify in the “Comments” section below.
a. A number of individuals
Comments: 75000 electors.
Source: Law nr 15-A/98, 3-April article 16.
Last updated: 2005-04-20 09:44:54 UTC
DD50 Who may propose the registration of an agenda initiative?
Please specify in the “Comments” section below.
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-04-20 09:45:43 UTC
DD51 What material is necessary to accompany an application for registration?
a. Proposed title
b. General explanation of purpose
c. Full proposed text
Last updated: 2005-04-20 09:46:17 UTC
DD52 Who determines the title of a citizens' initiative?
d. Legislature
Comments: The legislature must appove the initiative.
Last updated: 2005-04-20 09:47:13 UTC
DD53 Who determines the title of an agenda initiative?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-04-20 09:47:34 UTC
DD54 Which, if any, of the following disqualify a proposed title of an initiative?
f. More than one subject area
Comments: The legislature must appove the initiative.
Last updated: 2005-04-20 09:49:23 UTC
DD56 Under what circumstances is an initiative checked for constitutionality or legality?
a. An automatic check is part of the initiative process
Last updated: 2005-04-20 09:51:08 UTC
DD57 If a check of the constitutionality or legality of an initiative takes place, who is responsible for undertaking it?
a. Government
f. Other (specify)
Comments: f. Proponents of the initiative.
Last updated: 2005-04-20 09:52:06 UTC
DD58 If a check of the constitutionality or legality of an initiative takes place, when does this happen?
c. After its submission but before the vote on the initiative
Comments: The Constitutional Court has 25 days to produce the check.
Last updated: 2005-04-20 09:53:22 UTC
DD60 At which stage in the initiative process, if at all, can alternative proposals be made?
d. Not at all
Comments: See question C.11.1.
Last updated: 2005-04-27 08:38:12 UTC
DD61 What happens when there is a valid alternative proposal?
e. Not applicable
Comments: See question C.11.1.
Last updated: 2005-04-27 08:38:34 UTC
DD62 When an initiative proposal and an alternative proposal are put to the vote on the same day, what choices does the voter have?
f. Not applicable
Comments: See question C.11.1.
Last updated: 2005-04-27 08:39:02 UTC
DD64 Once an initiative is qualified for the ballot, the vote on it takes place:
a. Within a certain time limit (specify)
Comments: 60-90 days after the Decree of the President of the Republic.
Source: Article 35 Referendum law.
Last updated: 2005-04-20 09:56:17 UTC
DD67 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to the time period in which an individual/position can be recalled?
Last updated: 2007-01-09 09:33:30 UTC
DD70 If a separate ballot to replace an individual who has been recalled takes place, how soon after the recall ballot is it held?
Last updated: 2007-01-09 09:33:30 UTC
DD72 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
a. Fixed number 75 000
Comments: There is no distinction in the Constitution “The only subjects for a referendum shall be those matters of national interest”.
Last updated: 2005-04-27 08:47:53 UTC
DD73 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for a rejective referendum (optional)?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
a. Fixed number 75 000
Comments: There is no distinction in the Constitution “The only subjects for a referendum shall be those matters of national interest”.
Last updated: 2005-04-27 08:48:12 UTC
DD74 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for a citizens' initiative?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
a. Fixed number at least 35000 citizens (voters)
Comments: No initiative based on "The citizens' initiative" till now.
Source: Law nr 17/2003, 4-June see the full text of the (in portuguese) at http://www.parlamento.pt/const_leg/iniciativa_cidadao/index.html
Last updated: 2006-02-27 13:25:22 UTC
DD75 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for an agenda initiative?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
e. Not applicable (X)
Last updated: 2005-04-27 08:49:21 UTC
DD76 What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for an abrogative referendum (optional) has been published?
b. Other (specify)
Comments: Before the presentation. The proposal only comes to being [starts to exist] after the collecting of the required number of signatures. The formal requisites are an essential condition for the submission of the proposal to the Parliament.
Last updated: 2005-04-27 08:50:50 UTC
DD77 What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for a rejective referendum (optional) has been published?
b. Other (specify)
Comments: Before the presentation. The proposal only comes to being [starts to exist] after the collecting of the required number of signatures. The formal requisites are an essential condition for the submission of the proposal to the Parliament.
Last updated: 2005-04-27 08:51:19 UTC
DD78 What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for a citizens' initiative has been published?
b. Other (specify)
Comments: Before the presentation. The proposal only comes to being [starts to exist] after the collecting of the required number of signatures. The formal requisites are an essential condition for the submission of the proposal to the Parliament.
Last updated: 2005-04-27 08:54:40 UTC
DD79 What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for an agenda initiative has been published?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-04-27 08:51:57 UTC
DD84 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for a recall?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
e. Not applicable (X)
Last updated: 2005-04-27 08:49:54 UTC
Electoral Management
EM01 Please provide the following contact information for the national electoral management body:
a. Name of Institution STAPE
b. Full Address Av. D. Carlos I, 134, P1200 Lisbon, Portugal.
c. Telephone +351 21 394 7100
d. Facsimile +351 21 390 9264
e. Email stape(a)mail.telepac.pt
f. Website Address www.stape.pt
g. Name and Title of Chairperson/President Sra. Maria de Fatima Ribeiro Mendes - General Director
i. Official language of the electoral law governing national elections Portuguese
Comments: General Directorate depends on the Ministry of Internal Affairs (Interior).
Source: Domingos Magalhães, Director of Services, STAPE (A Department of the Ministry of Domestic Affairs), dmagalhaes(a)stape.pt
Last updated: 2008-01-21 13:46:45 UTC
EM02 Does this national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
a. National level
b. Regional level
c. Local level
Comments: As well as European Parliament elections and referendums.
Source: Domingos Magalhães, Director of Services, STAPE (A Department of the Ministry of Domestic Affairs) dmagalhaes(a)stape.pt
Last updated: 2008-01-21 13:46:45 UTC
EM03 The national electoral management body reports to:
d. A national government department
Comments: d) Ministry of Interior.
Source: Domingos Magalhães, Director of Services, STAPE (A Department of the Ministry of Domestic Affairs), Portugal, dmagalhaes(a)mail.telepac.pt
Last updated: Thu, 11 Jul 2002 08:26:47 GMT
EM04 The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
d. A national government department
Source: Domingos Magalhães, Director of Services, STAPE (A Department of the Ministry of Domestic Affairs), Portugal, dmagalhaes(a)mail.telepac.pt
Last updated: Thu, 11 Jul 2002 08:27:13 GMT
EM05 The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
d. A national government department
Comments: d) Ministry of Interior.
Source: Domingos Magalhães, Director of Services, STAPE (A Department of the Ministry of Domestic Affairs), Portugal, dmagalhaes(a)mail.telepac.pt
Last updated: Thu, 11 Jul 2002 08:27:47 GMT
EM06 The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
c. For an unspecified period
Comments: Directors have a term of 3 years.
Source: Domingos Magalhães, Director of Services, STAPE (A Department of the Ministry of Domestic Affairs), Portugal, dmagalhaes(a)stape.pt
Last updated: Mon, 02 Sep 2002 16:01:39 GMT
EM07 The national electoral management body chairperson, or equivalent, is chosen in the following way:
e. Governmental appointment
Source: Domingos Magalhães, Director of Services, STAPE (A Department of the Ministry of Domestic Affairs), dmagalhaes(a)stape.pt
Last updated: 2008-01-21 13:46:45 UTC
EM08 According to official sources, what was the estimated overall cost (in US dollars if available) of the most recent national elections?
a. estimated total: 8239500
b. Exchange rate used 1 EURO=200 PTE (Portuguese escudos) - approx.
Comments: 8 239 500 USD
Source: STAPE - Mr. Domingo Magalhães (May 2002)
Last updated: 2008-01-21 13:46:45 UTC
EM09 What was the total number of registered voters or, where there was no voter roll, the estimated number of eligible voters?
a. Total number: 8.800.000
Source: Elections Registration Law Domingos Magalhães, Director of Services, STAPE (A Department of the Ministry of Domestic Affairs), dmagalhaes(a)stape.pt
Last updated: 2008-01-21 13:46:45 UTC
EM10 What was the spending (in USD) per registered voter (NOT actual voters) or, where there was no voter roll, the estimated number of eligible voters at the last general elections?
a. USD/registered voter 0.9
b. Exchange rate used 1 EURO=200 PTE(Portuguese escudos)
Comments: 1 EURO (approximately)
Source: STAPE - Mr. Domingos Magalhães
Last updated: Thu, 11 Jul 2002 08:30:04 GMT
EM11 What are the approximate proportions (%) of total election expenditure for the last national elections devoted to the following?
a. Voter registration and preparation of voter lists 1%
b. Election Management Body administration 3%
c. Staff/Equipment/Supplies 25%
f. Voter education 1%
g. Materials/systems for and operation of voting stations and ballot counts 22%
i. Polling operations 4%
j. Vote tabulation 1%
k. Other 43%
Comments: k. Media campaigns for political parties (media, television) d.e.f. not included in STAPE budget, but included in other bodies.
Source: STAPE - Mr. Domingos Magalhães
Last updated: 2008-01-21 13:46:45 UTC
Electoral Systems
ES01 How is the Head of State selected?
c. Directly elected in general elections (absolute majority with 2nd round if necessary)
Comments: The candidate who obtains more than half the votes validity cast shall be elected President but if none of the candidates obtains that proportion, a second ballot shall be held until the 21st day after the date of the first ballot.
Source: Constitution, article 126, Decreto Lei nr. 319/76
Last updated: Mon, 02 Sep 2002 14:56:19 GMT
ES02 How is the Head of Government selected?
d. Leader of the party which forms the government becomes Head of Government
Comments: The leader of the majority party or leader of a majority coalition is usually appointed Prime Minister by the President. "The Prime Minister shall be appointed by the President of the Republic after taking the opinion of the parties represented in the Assembly of the Republic and with due regard for the results of the general election".
Source: Constitution, article 187, chapter 2.
Last updated: Mon, 02 Sep 2002 14:59:40 GMT
ES03 Does the country have a president?
a. Yes
Source: Constitution, article 122 DL319/76, article 4(1)
Last updated: Mon, 02 Sep 2002 15:00:21 GMT
ES04 The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
a. One chamber
Source: Constitution, article 110
Last updated: Mon, 02 Sep 2002 15:00:59 GMT
ES05 What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
g. List Proportional Representation
Comments: Closed party list system with proportional representation based on the d'Hondt method: each list must bear as many names as there are seats to be filled in the constituency. Electors may only vote for one list.
Source: L14/79, nr. 2, article 13 p>
Last updated: Mon, 02 Sep 2002 15:19:49 GMT
ES06 What is the electoral system for Chamber 2 of the national legislature?
k. The national legislature consists of one chamber only
Source: Constitution, article 110
Last updated: Mon, 02 Sep 2002 15:21:12 GMT
ES07 If List PR is used, is a highest average formula used?
a. d'Hondt Formula
Comments: Closed party-list system with proportional representation based on the d'Hondt method: each list must bear as many names as there are seats to be filled in the constituency. Electors may only vote for one list.
Source: L14/79, article 16
Last updated: Mon, 02 Sep 2002 15:21:55 GMT
ES08 What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 1?
c. Regional/provincial level
Comments: The constituencies correspond to the country's departments. 3 seats minimum to 50 seats maximum per constituency (1999 election).
Source: Constitution, article 150
Last updated: Mon, 02 Sep 2002 15:23:13 GMT
ES09 What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 2?
d. Not applicable
Comments: The national legislature only consists of one chamber.
Source: Constitution, article 110
Last updated: Mon, 02 Sep 2002 15:23:48 GMT
ES10 Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 1 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
a. Yes
Comments: 2 constituencies with a maximum of 2 seats each for residents abroad ('Europe' and 'outside Europe').
Source: Constitution, article 149
Last updated: Mon, 02 Sep 2002 15:25:22 GMT
ES11 If special constituencies or seats are reserved in Chamber 1, specify which interest groups, and the proportion of total seats reserved for:
d. Other- proportion of total seats (%) X
Comments: 2 constituencies with a maximum of 2 seats each for residents abroad.
Source: Mr. Domingos Magalhães, [email protected]
Last updated: Mon, 02 Sep 2002 15:27:26 GMT
ES12 Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 2 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
c. The national legislature consists of one chamber only
Source: Constitution, Art.110
Last updated: Thu, 06 Jun 2002 14:59:52 GMT
ES13 If special constituencies or seats are reserved in Chamber 2, specify which interest groups, and the proportion of total seats reserved:
e. Not applicable Na
Comments: The national legislature only consists of one chamber.
Source: Mr. Domingos Magalhães
Last updated: Thu, 11 Jul 2002 08:10:50 GMT
ES14 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 1?
a. No minimum
Comments: "The law shall not limit the conversion of votes cast into numbers elected by a requirement for a minimum national percentage of votes"
Source: Constitution, article 152, nr.2
Last updated: Mon, 02 Sep 2002 15:29:14 GMT
ES15 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 2?
c. Not applicable
Comments: The national legislature only consists of one chamber.
Source: Constitution, Art. 110
Last updated: Wed, 19 Jun 2002 12:25:10 GMT
ES16 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 1?
c. Not applicable
Comments: Independent candidates are not allowed. Electors vote for party lists.
Source: Domingos Magalhães, Director of Services, STAPE (A Department of the Ministry of Domestic Affairs), Portugal, dmagalhaes(a)mail.telepac.pt
Last updated: Thu, 11 Jul 2002 08:11:58 GMT
ES17 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 2?
c. Not applicable
Comments: The national legislature only consists of one chamber.
Source: Domingos Magalhães, Director of Services, STAPE (A Department of the Ministry of Domestic Affairs), Portugal, dmagalhaes(a)mail.telepac.pt
Last updated: Thu, 11 Jul 2002 08:13:36 GMT
ES18 Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 1, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
c. On a fixed day of the week (specify day, specify if holiday)
Comments: a) Held every 4 years. c) On a Sunday or a National holiday, someday between September 14 and October 14. In case of dissolution - "new elections, shall be held within the following 60 days".
Source: L14/79, article 19, nr.2 Constitution, article 113
Last updated: Mon, 02 Sep 2002 15:31:05 GMT
ES19 Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 2, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
e. Not applicable
Comments: The national legislature only consists of one chamber.
Source: Constitution, Art.110
Last updated: Wed, 19 Jun 2002 12:37:55 GMT
ES20 Regarding Chamber 1 elections (excluding advance voting, postal voting, etc):
a. Voting takes place on one day
Source: L14/79, art. 20 Domingos Magalhães, Director of Services, STAPE (A Department of the Ministry of Domestic Affairs), Portugal, dmagalhaes(a)mail.telepac.pt
Last updated: Thu, 11 Jul 2002 08:14:38 GMT
ES21 Regarding Chamber 2 elections (excluding advance voting, postal voting, etc):
c. Not applicable
Comments: The national legislature only consists of one chamber.
Source: Domingos Magalhães, Director of Services, STAPE (A Department of the Ministry of Domestic Affairs), Portugal, dmagalhaes(a)mail.telepac.pt
Last updated: Thu, 11 Jul 2002 08:16:36 GMT
Legislative Framework
LF01 What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
a. Part of Constitution
b. Separate legislation
Comments: The basic principles of the electoral system are entrenched in the Constitution.
Source: Domingos Magalhães, Director of Services, STAPE (A Department of the Ministry of Domestic Affairs), Portugal, dmagalhaes(a)mail.telepac.pt
Last updated: Thu, 11 Jul 2002 08:18:48 GMT
LF02 What is the date of the latest version of the national electoral law (including latest amendments)?
a. January 2000 or later
Comments: Amended in March 2000.
Source: Domingos Magalhães, Director of Services, STAPE (A Department of the Ministry of Domestic Affairs), Portugal, dmagalhaes(a)mail.telepac.pt
Last updated: 2006-11-21 20:54:31 UTC
LF03 The national electoral law covers:
a. National elections
b. Regional elections
c. Local elections
d. Referendums
Source: Domingos Magalhães, Director of Services, STAPE (A Department of the Ministry of Domestic Affairs), Portugal, dmagalhaes(a)mail.telepac.pt
Last updated: 2006-11-21 20:54:31 UTC
LF04 Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
a. Voting is voluntary
Comments: a) "The exercise of the right to vote is personal and constitutes a civic duty".
Source: Constitution, article 49(2)
Last updated: 2006-11-21 20:54:31 UTC
LF05 Are there provisions in the law which permit or require regional and/ or local election (s) to be held on the same day as national elections?
b. National elections are held on the same day as regional and local elections
Comments: There are no provisions against. The current practice however is that local elections are not held on the same day as national elections.
Source: Domingos Magalhães, Director of Services, STAPE (A Department of the Ministry of Domestic Affairs), Portugal, dmagalhaes(a)mail.telepac.pt
Last updated: Thu, 11 Jul 2002 08:20:46 GMT
LF06 Are there provisions in the law which permit or require presidential election (s) to be held on the same day as national legislative elections?
a. Presidential elections are not held on the same day as national legislative elections
Comments: "The election shall not be held in the period of 90 days that precedes or follows the date of an election for the Assembly of the Republic".
Source: Constitution, article 125
Last updated: 2006-11-21 20:54:31 UTC
LF07 What are the agency(ies) responsible for first level of formal electoral disputes?
c. Specially Appointed/Elected Electoral Tribunal
Comments: The Corte Nacional Electoral (CNE) is an ethical body, which mainly deals with election campaign issues and campaign financing regulation.
Source: L14/79 and amendments, articles 117 to 168 DL319/76 and amendments
Last updated: 2006-11-21 20:54:31 UTC
LF08 If the agency(ies) which settles formal disputes is/are specially appointed/elected; by whom?
h. Not applicable
Comments: The agency(ies) which settles formal disputes are not specially appointed/elected.
Source: L14/79 + amendments,117-168 DL319/76 + amendments
Last updated: 2006-11-21 20:54:31 UTC
LF09 Who has the right to submit cases to the person or agency(ies)which settles formal disputes?
a. Candidates
b. Parties
c. Voters
Source: Domingos Magalhães, Director of Services, STAPE (A Department of the Ministry of Domestic Affairs), Portugal, dmagalhaes(a)mail.telepac.pt
Last updated: Thu, 11 Jul 2002 08:23:00 GMT
LF10 What body(ies) is the final appellate authority for formal electoral disputes?
b. Constitutional (or similar) Court
Source: Domingos Magalhães, Director of Services, STAPE (A Department of the Ministry of Domestic Affairs), Portugal, dmagalhaes(a)mail.telepac.pt
Last updated: Thu, 11 Jul 2002 08:23:28 GMT
Media and Elections
ME01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
a. Name and Title: Domingos Magalhaes
b. Job Title: Director of services
c. Organisation: STAPE
d. Contact Address: Av D. Carlos I, 134
e. Telephone: +351-213947100
f. Facsimile: +351-213909264
g. Email: [email protected]
Last updated: 2005-06-13 11:31:22 UTC
ME02 Which of the following types of radio stations are present at a national level in your country?
a. Publicly owned
c. Privately owned
Last updated: 2005-06-13 11:31:51 UTC
ME03 Which of the following types of television stations are present at a national level in your country?
a. Publicly owned
c. Privately owned
Last updated: 2005-06-13 11:32:06 UTC
ME04 Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspapers are present at a national level in your country?
c. Privately owned
Last updated: 2005-06-13 11:34:11 UTC
ME05 Which of the following do you believe best describes the print media situation at the national level in your country?
d. No government newspaper: competition between two or more major private newspapers
Last updated: 2005-06-13 11:34:36 UTC
ME06 What proportion of the population can receive transmissions of the national level programming of private radio stations?
a. Over 60%
Last updated: 2005-06-13 11:35:16 UTC
ME08 What proportion of the population can receive transmissions of the national level programming of private television stations?
a. Over 60%
Last updated: 2005-06-13 11:35:39 UTC
ME09 In your opinion, which of the following types of media in your country have a public reputation for being independent?
a. Public radio
b. Private radio
c. Public television
d. Private television
e. Print media
Comments: Public media must assure a plurality of opinions; in certain cases they avoid taking sides.
Last updated: 2005-06-13 11:37:07 UTC
ME11 What laws, if any, guarantee freedom of access to public information for representatives of the media?
Last updated: 2007-01-04 12:27:03 UTC
ME13 What are the laws, if any, which govern the operations of the public broadcaster?
Specify the date of the latest version (including latest amendments)
Comments: Constitution Art. 38, 39 & 40 The law of the High Authority for the Media.
Source: Constitution Art. 38, 39 & 40 The law of the High Authority for the Media.
Last updated: 2007-01-04 12:33:13 UTC
ME14 What proportion of the population can receive transmissions of the national level programming of the public television stations?
a. Over 60%
Last updated: 2005-06-14 07:37:09 UTC
ME15 What proportion of the population can receive transmissions of the national level programming of the national level programming of the public radio stations?
a. Over 60 %
Last updated: 2005-06-14 07:37:43 UTC
ME16 In your opinion, upon which types of media at national level in your country do citizens most rely as a source of information? Mark the most important source with 1, and the second most important source with 2:
d. Public television
f. Private television
Comments: f. 1 d. 2 Share levels show consistently two private television networks in the first positions.
Source: Espresso 12 March 2005
Last updated: 2007-01-04 12:33:13 UTC
ME17 In your opinion, which of the following types of media in your country have a public reputation for being independent?
a. Public radio
b. Private radio
c. Public television
d. Private television
e. Print media
Comments: Public media must assure plurality of opinions; in certain cases they avoid taking sides.
Last updated: 2005-06-14 07:44:13 UTC
ME18 What are the laws, if any, that provide for the safeguards for editorial autonomy in relation to the public broadcaster(s)?
Last updated: 2007-01-04 12:27:03 UTC
ME19 What are the laws, if any, which govern the granting of broadcasting licenses/frequencies to private broadcasters?
a. L
Source: AACS website http://www.aacs.pt/at "LEGISLACAO" (laws and regulations). See a detailed list which includes the Law of the High Authority for the Media. (AACS) nr 43/98, 6-August
Last updated: 2007-01-04 12:27:03 UTC
ME20 Who grants licenses/frequencies to private broadcasters?
b. Independent regulator
Source: AACS website http://www.aacs.pt/at "LEGISLACAO" (laws and regulations). See a detailed list which includes the Law of the High Authority for the Media. (AACS) nr 43/98, 6-August
Last updated: 2005-06-14 07:54:53 UTC
ME21 Who is allowed to hold broadcasting licenses?
b. Private companies
c. Non governmental organisations
d. Foreigners
Comments: Examples; B. TSF see website http://www.tsf.pt/online/primeira/default.asp D. Radio Paris-Lisbonne http://www.rpl.fm/index_86.html
Last updated: 2007-01-04 12:33:13 UTC
ME22 What are the legal conditions, if any, under which the activities of a media outlet may be suspended?
Last updated: 2007-01-04 12:27:03 UTC
ME23 Are any journalists currently imprisoned or facing criminal charges for exercising their profession?
b. No
Comments: Recently a journalist faced a court sentence of prison/fine for not revealing his sources/information.
Last updated: 2005-06-14 08:05:22 UTC
ME24 What legal instruments are used to regulate media coverage of elections?
a. Law
c. Voluntary agreement or self-regulation
Comments: STAPE is a department of the Ministry of Domestic Affairs (Interior). The main functions are logistic and financial support to the intervening bodies in the electoral process. The election Commission is an ethical body that deals mainly with campaign issues.
Last updated: 2007-01-04 12:33:13 UTC
ME25 Which of the following bodies or agencies has a responsibility in the regulation of media coverage of elections?
a. Statutory regulator (e.g. broadcasting licensing body)
e. Judiciary
g. EMB by law or regulations
Last updated: 2005-06-14 08:30:35 UTC
ME26 What form does the responsibility, if any, of the EMB to regulate media coverage of elections take?
b. Requiring balance in media news coverage of an election
Last updated: 2005-06-14 08:44:02 UTC
ME27 Does the EMB monitor media coverage of elections?
b. No
Comments: The EMB receives complaints; monitors media.
Last updated: 2005-06-14 08:45:18 UTC
ME29 Do political parties or candidates have a right to have their replies to inaccurate or misleading media coverage published promptly and free of charge?
a. Yes
Last updated: 2005-06-14 08:47:15 UTC
ME30 What is the legal liability of the media if they report unlawful statements by candidates during election campaigns (e.g. defamatory or inflammatory speeches)?
a. Criminal prosecution
Last updated: 2005-06-14 08:47:46 UTC
ME31 Have the media or journalists' organisations adopted a code of ethics specific to elections?
Please send us a copy.
b. No
Last updated: 2005-06-14 08:48:46 UTC
ME32 If so, how well do you perceive this code of ethics to be respected?
b. Usually respected
Last updated: 2005-06-14 08:49:04 UTC
ME33 Which body, if any, is responsible for regulating free or paid access of political parties or candidates to the media during election campaigns.
a. EMB
Source: Electoral law.
Last updated: 2005-06-14 08:50:04 UTC
ME34 Which of the following types of radio stations provide political parties with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
a. Publicly owned
c. Privately owned
Comments: STAPE (department of the Ministry of Domestic Affairs) budget pays for the free broadcast time.
Last updated: 2005-06-14 08:55:16 UTC
ME35 Which of the following types of television stations provide political parties with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
a. Publicly owned
c. Privately owned
Comments: STAPE (department of the Ministry of Domestic Affairs) budget pays for the free broadcast time.
Last updated: 2005-06-14 08:54:57 UTC
ME36 Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspapers provide political parties with free printed advertisement space for national election campaigns?
e. None
Last updated: 2005-06-14 08:52:16 UTC
ME37 What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
b. Based on number of candidates put forward in present elections
g. Other (specify)
Comments: The Portuguese legislation in this matter as adopted different solutions depending on the type of election in question. Below are the regulations applying to legislative elections. In these elections there are 2 criteria for allocating the free broadcast time. 1st criteria – Equal time is conceded in the international and regional Public Radio Broadcast station and private regional radio broadcast stations to all parties that run for election in constituencies were those stations broadcast. 2 criteria – The available time in the public and private television stations, in the national Public Radio Broadcast station and in the private national radio broadcast stations, is proportionally distributed between the parties that have, at least, 25% of the total number of candidates and that present candidacies in the same percentage of constituencies.
Source: Maria de Fátima Abrantes Mendes, Secretary General, National Elections Commission
Last updated: 2007-01-04 12:33:13 UTC
ME38 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
b. The law does not specify any limits on paid advertising X
Comments: The law does not specify any limits on paid advertising. The Portuguese legislation stipulates that “from the publication of the decree appointing the election date, political propaganda transmitted directly or indirectly by means of commercial advertising is forbidden”. This legal provision is applicable to all elections and referendum acts. 7151136 Euros is the limit for a political party's expenses. For individual candidates the maximum amount permitted is 21936 Euros.
Source: Decree-Law 319-A/76, 3 May (art 63º). Law 14/79, 16 May (art 72º). Decree-Law 267/80, 8 August, changed by Organic Law. 5/2006, 31 August (art 73º). Organic Law 1/2006, 13 February (art 76º). Organic Law 1/2001, 14 August (art 46º nº 1). Organic Law 15-A/98, 3 April (art 53º).
Last updated: 2007-01-04 12:33:13 UTC
ME39 Which of the following types of radio stations provide individual candidates (legislative) with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
e. None
Comments: Individual candidates not allowed.
Last updated: 2005-06-14 09:10:42 UTC
ME40 Which of the following types of television stations provide individual candidates (legislative) with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
e. None
Comments: Individual candidates not allowed.
Last updated: 2005-06-14 09:11:00 UTC
ME41 Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspaper provide individual candidates (legislative) with free printed advertisement space for national election campaigns?
e. None
Comments: Individual candidates not allowed.
Last updated: 2005-06-14 09:11:24 UTC
ME43 Which of the following types of radio stations provide individual candidates (legislative) with paid broadcast time for national election campaigns?
e. None
Comments: Forbidden by law.
Last updated: 2005-06-14 09:12:39 UTC
ME44 Which of the following types of television stations provide individual candidates (legislative) with paid broadcast time and/or paid printed advertisement space for national election campaigns?
e. None
Comments: Forbidden by law.
Last updated: 2005-06-14 09:13:03 UTC
ME45 Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspapers provide individual candidates (legislative) with printed advertisement space for national election campaigns?
e. None
Comments: Forbidden by law.
Last updated: 2005-06-14 09:13:27 UTC
ME47 Which of the following types of radio stations provide presidential candidates with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
a. Publicly owned
c. Privately owned
Last updated: 2005-06-14 09:17:43 UTC
ME50 What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to presidential candidates?
a. Equal regardless of size and previous performance of candidateâs party
Comments: Formally the candidates are not party candidates, instead they receive support from one or several parties.
Last updated: 2005-06-14 09:19:46 UTC
ME51 Which of the following types of radio stations provide presidential candidates with paid broadcast time for national election campaigns?
e. None
Comments: Not allowed by law.
Last updated: 2005-06-14 09:23:53 UTC
ME52 Which of the following types of television stations provide presidential candidates with paid broadcast for national election campaigns?
e. None
Comments: Not allowed by law.
Last updated: 2005-06-14 09:24:17 UTC
ME53 Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspapers provide presidential candidates with paid printed advertisement space for national election campaigns?
e. None
Comments: Not allowed by law.
Last updated: 2005-06-14 09:24:44 UTC
ME55 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a presidential candidate is permitted to spend on paid advertising?
a. ... (euros) 3656000
Comments: The number above concern any other expenses excluding paid advertising.
Source: Art. 20 Law nr 19/2003, 20-June.
Last updated: 2005-06-14 13:15:35 UTC
ME56 What are the laws, if any, which govern the disclosure of campaign advertising expenditures by political parties and candidates?
a. ....... Law nr 19/2003, 20-June, Organic Law nr 2/2005, 10-June
Comments: A recent law (Law nr 19/2003, 20-June) ennacted an independent body with those functions. The regulation and the nomination of the chairperson occured in January 2005. (Organic Law nr 2/2005, 10-June).
Source: Law nr 19/2003, 20-June, Organic Law nr 2/2005, 10-June
Last updated: 2005-06-14 13:26:34 UTC
ME57 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a media outlet can charge parties/candidates for advertising during the campaign?
Last updated: 2007-01-04 12:27:03 UTC
ME58 How does this maximum amount (identified in question C.15.1) affect the political participation of smaller or newly formed parties?
Last updated: 2007-01-04 12:27:03 UTC
ME59 Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
a. Yes, in presidential elections
b. Yes, in legislative elections
Source: Maria de Fátima Abrantes Mendes, Secretary General, National Elections Commission
Last updated: 2007-01-04 12:33:13 UTC
ME60 What legal requirements, if any, regulate the participation of candidates or party representatives in media debates?
a. ......... A
Last updated: 2007-01-04 12:27:03 UTC
ME61 Which of the following information in reporting the results of opinion polls are required to be disclosed by law?
a. Person or agency that commissioned the opinion poll
b. Geographical coverage
c. Characteristics of the sample
d. Size of the sample
e. Margin of error
Source: Law nr 10/2000, 21-June
Last updated: 2005-06-14 13:33:58 UTC
ME62 What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
a. 1 day
Comments: Results of pre-election opinion polls are prohibited to release to the public from immediately prior to voting day until the closing of ballot boxes in all the country.
Source: Maria de Fátima Abrantes Mendes, Secretary General, National Elections Commission
Last updated: 2007-01-04 12:33:13 UTC
ME63 Where, if at all, may exit polls be carried out?
b. Outside the polling station
Source: Law nr 10/2000, 21-June
Last updated: 2005-06-14 13:36:27 UTC
ME64 If exit polls are permitted, when can the results be disseminated via the media?
b. After all polls close
Last updated: 2005-06-14 13:36:55 UTC
ME65 When are the media, by law, allowed to report preliminary election results?
b. After all polls close, before official results are available
Last updated: 2005-06-14 13:37:18 UTC
ME66 Are the media allowed to project/predict winners before the final results are available?
a. Yes
Last updated: 2005-06-14 13:37:39 UTC
ME67 What resources does the EMB have for its work with the media?
d. No one with full-time responsibility for media work
Last updated: 2005-06-14 13:38:27 UTC
ME68 Have staff responsible for media relations received training for this work?
b. No
Last updated: 2005-06-14 13:38:48 UTC
ME69 Which of the following has the EMB produced or organised?
d. Pre-recorded radio or TV slots
e. Web site
Comments: d. Regards information about the schedule and/or the election/referendum timeline, vote campaigns, registration campaigns for targeted segments of the population (youth, portugese, residents abroad etc.).
Last updated: 2005-06-14 13:41:15 UTC
ME70 Has the EMB provided or facilitated training for journalists in how the electoral process works?
a. Yes
Comments: Technical details about the provisional results released.
Last updated: 2005-06-14 13:43:14 UTC
ME74 Which of the following types of radio stations provide paid broadcast time to the EMB for voter information campaigns?
a. Publicly owned
c. Privately owned
Last updated: 2005-06-14 13:44:49 UTC
ME75 Which of the following types of television stations provide paid broadcast time to the EMB for voter information campaigns?
a. Publicly owned
c. Privately owned
Last updated: 2005-06-14 13:45:55 UTC
ME76 Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspapers provide paid broadcast time or print space to the EMB for voter information campaigns?
c. Privately owned
Last updated: 2005-06-14 13:45:31 UTC
Parties and Candidates
PC01 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
a. Signature requirement (specify requirement)
Comments: a) Signature requirement presented to the Constitutional Court. By at least 5000 electors.
Source: Domingos Magalhães, Director of Services, STAPE (A Department of the Ministry of Domestic Affairs), Portugal, dmagalhaes(a)mail.telepac.pt
Last updated: 2006-11-20 14:21:25 UTC
PC02 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
g. Not applicable
Comments: The national legislature only consists of one chamber.
Source: Constitution, Art.110
Last updated: Wed, 19 Jun 2002 13:18:18 GMT
PC03 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
b. Citizenship
f. Registration
Comments: Portuguese citizens included in the electoral roll. Therefor age is not a legal qualification.
Source: Constitution, Art.150 L14/79, Art.4
Last updated: 2006-11-20 14:21:25 UTC
PC04 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
k. Not applicable
Comments: The national legislature only consists of one chamber.
Source: Constitution, Art.110
Last updated: Wed, 19 Jun 2002 13:22:08 GMT
PC05 What are the legal qualifications for becoming a candidate at presidential elections?
a. Age
b. Citizenship
f. Registration
j. Other
Comments: Citizens of Portuguese ORIGIN who are entitled to vote and are at least 35 years of age are eligible for election.
Source: Constitution, Art.122 DL319/76, Art.4(1)
Last updated: 2006-11-20 14:21:25 UTC
PC06 What can disqualify a candidate at legislative elections?
k. Mental health problems
Comments: Certain activities must be ceased since the presentation of the candidates(e.g. judges, military officer in command, diplomats, etc).
Source: L14/79, Art.5
Last updated: 2006-11-20 14:21:25 UTC
PC07 What can disqualify a candidate at presidential elections?
k. Mental health problems
Comments: Certain activities must be ceased, when the candidate is presented (e.g. judges, military officers in command, diplomats, etc).
Source: DL 319/76, Art.6
Last updated: 2006-11-20 14:21:25 UTC
PC08 Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
b. In presidential elections
Comments: In the Presidential elections the candidates are individuals. In legislative elections, an independent candidate must be included in a party list.
Source: L 14/79, art. 23rd
Last updated: 2006-11-20 14:21:25 UTC
PC09 If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 1), what are the registration requirements?
e. Not applicable
Source: STAPE-Mr. Domingos Magalhães
Last updated: Fri, 09 Nov 2001 10:37:52 GMT
PC10 If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 2), what are the registration requirements?
e. Not applicable
Comments: The national legislature only consists of one chamber.
Last updated: Thu, 11 Jul 2002 09:10:02 GMT
PC11 If independent candidates can compete in presidential elections, what are the registration requirements?
a. Signature requirement (specify)
Comments: a. 7.500-15.000 Must have the support of a minimum of 7,500, amd maximim of 15,000, citizens entitled to vote and nominations must be submitted to the Constitutional Court at least 30 days before the date fixed for the election.
Source: Constitution DL 319/76, art. 13 STAPE-Mr. Domingos Magalhães
Last updated: 2006-11-20 14:21:25 UTC
PC12 Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
b. Direct
c. Indirect
Source: Domingos Magalhães, Director of Services, STAPE (A Department of the Ministry of Domestic Affairs), Portugal, dmagalhaes(a)mail.telepac.pt
Last updated: Thu, 11 Jul 2002 09:11:19 GMT
PC13 If political parties receive direct/indirect public funding, when do they receive this?
b. Between elections
Comments: Yearly funding, paid monthly (parliamentary parties and those with at least 50,000 votes).
Source: Domingos Magalhães, Director of Services, STAPE (A Department of the Ministry of Domestic Affairs), dmagalhaes(a)stape.pt
Last updated: 2006-11-20 14:21:25 UTC
PC14 If political parties receive indirect public funding, identify the type of funding:
a. Free media access
d. Other
Comments: d. tax exemptions. During the period of the campaign candidates also have the right to free radio and television time, to the use of spaces for displaying posters, to the use of public buildings and state owned spaces such as halls, playgrounds, sports facilities, etc., and the use, at specially reduced prices, of concert halls. Exemptions from some taxes or the cost of law suits
Source: L14/79, art. 51 - 65 STAPE-Mr. Domingos Magalhães
Last updated: 2006-11-20 14:21:25 UTC
PC15 What is the basis of the public funding?
c. Based on current legislative representation
d. Based on number of candidates put forward in present election
e. Other
Comments: c) Monthly payment to parties in proportion to number of votes received above 50,000.
Source: New party funding law (1998). Domingos Magalhães, Director of Services, STAPE (A Department of the Ministry of Domestic Affairs), dmagalhaes(a)stape.pt
Last updated: 2006-11-20 14:21:25 UTC
PC16 If political parties receive public funding, what is the specified purpose?
a. General party administration
b. Election campaign activities
Source: STAPE-Mr. Domingos Magalhães
Last updated: Fri, 09 Nov 2001 10:55:25 GMT
PC17 Are political parties entitled to private funding?
a. Yes
Comments: The established means of private financing are, among others, donations and inheritances. The law limits values of private financing. If the donor is a corporate body, the donation cannot exceed 100 national minimum wages and the total donation must not exceed 1,000 national minimum wages. If the donor is an individual person the limit is 30 national minimum wages per donor. Anonymous donations cannot annually exceed 500 national minimum wages. Some entities are impeded by law to give donations, for example, public enterprises, companies that have been granted concessions to provide public services, foundations and foreign governments or foreign corporate bodies.
Source: http://www.cne.pt/index2.html Domingos Magalhães, Director of Services, STAPE (A Department of the Ministry of Domestic Affairs), Portugal, dmagalhaes(a)mail.telepac.pt
Last updated: 2006-11-20 14:21:25 UTC
PC18 If political parties are entitled to private funding, for what period?
c. As related to the election period and between elections
Source: Domingos Magalhães, Director of Services, STAPE (A Department of the Ministry of Domestic Affairs), Portugal, dmagalhaes(a)mail.telepac.pt
Last updated: Thu, 11 Jul 2002 09:14:31 GMT
PC19 Which of the following party financing provisions are applicable?
a. Public disclosure of party contributions received
b. Public disclosure of party expenditure
c. Prohibition on party funding from foreign sources
e. Ceilings on party election expenses
h. Publication or public access to contribution and / or expenditure reports
Comments: The law limits the value of private financing. The law also creates a space to the private financing, which is a way for citizens to participate in the political life. The limit provided by law is an attempt trying to protect the independence of the party from the economical power.
Source: http://www.cne.pt/index2.html Domingos Magalhães, Director of Services, STAPE (A Department of the Ministry of Domestic Affairs), Portugal, dmagalhaes(a)mail.telepac.pt
Last updated: 2006-11-20 14:21:25 UTC
PC20 Which of the following candidate financing provisions are applicable?
a. Public disclosure of candidate contributions received
b. Public disclosure of candidate expenditure
c. Prohibition on candidate funding from foreign sources
e. Ceilings on candidate election expenses
h. Publication or public access to contribution and / or expenditure reports
Source: STAPE-Mr. Domingos Magalhães
Last updated: Fri, 09 Nov 2001 11:00:06 GMT
PC21 Who is responsible for administering and enforcing party income/funding regulations at national level?
a. National Electoral Management body
Comments: a) National Election Commission: candidate and campaign finance. d) Constitutional Court for current financing.
Source: Domingos Magalhães, Director of Services, STAPE (A Department of the Ministry of Domestic Affairs), Portugal, dmagalhaes(a)mail.telepac.pt
Last updated: 2006-11-20 14:21:25 UTC
Vote Counting
VC01 What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
a. Single ballot (all registered parties listed)
d. Categorical (only one mark allowed)
g. Different ballots used in different constituencies
i. Party symbols in black and white
n. Random listing (lottery)
Source: STAPE-Mr. Domingos Magalhães
Last updated: Fri, 09 Nov 2001 12:49:07 GMT
VC02 What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
s. Not applicable
Source: STAPE-Mr. Domingos Magalhães
Last updated: Fri, 09 Nov 2001 12:49:51 GMT
VC03 What are the characteristics of ballots used at presidential elections?
a. Single ballot (all registered parties/candidates listed)
d. Categorical (only possible to make one mark)
f. Same ballot papers used nation-wide
k. Candidate photos in black and white
n. Random listing (lottery)
Source: STAPE-Mr. Domingos Magalhães
Last updated: Fri, 09 Nov 2001 12:50:49 GMT
VC04 Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
a. At the polling stations
Source: Domingos Magalhães, Director of Services, STAPE (A Department of the Ministry of Domestic Affairs), Portugal, dmagalhaes(a)mail.telepac.pt
Last updated: Thu, 11 Jul 2002 09:17:57 GMT
VC05 What procedures are used in the initial count?
a. Separate ballots for different elections
b. Preliminary count of all ballots in ballot box
c. Tally of voters who voted
d. Number of ballots in box reconciled against number of voters
e. Number of ballots reconciled against ballots initially received (minus spoilt and unused)
f. Each ballot paper held up for public scrutiny, with name of party/candidate called out loud
h. Double tallying as voters are being called out
j. Sorted into piles according to individual party/candidate
l. Counted by hand
o. Data fed into computer for calculation
p. Copies of results of the count are publicly posted at the counting site immediately on the completion of the count
q. Copies of results are provided to observers
r. Observers and party agents are permitted to take their own copies of the results
Source: STAPE-Mr. Domingos Magalhães
Last updated: Mon, 13 May 2002 13:26:03 GMT
VC06 Following the sorting and counting, to where are the results first transmitted for consolidation?
d. Regional level (specify whether it is constituency/ province/ state/ department/other)
Comments: d.) Constituency level (the constituencies correspond to the administrative boundaries.
Source: Domingos Magalhães, Director of Services, STAPE (A Department of the Ministry of Domestic Affairs), Portugal, dmagalhaes(a)mail.telepac.pt
Last updated: Thu, 11 Jul 2002 09:18:51 GMT
VC07 At what levels are seats allocated?
c. Regional level (specify whether it is constituency/ province/ state/ department/other)
Comments: c. constituency.
Source: L14/79, art. 111. STAPE-Mr. Domingos Magalhães
Last updated: Fri, 09 Nov 2001 12:53:52 GMT
VC08 How are the initial/preliminary polling results transmitted and communicated to the different levels?
a. Physically transported
d. Telex/Telegraph
h. Other
Comments: d.) For example from the Azopes islands. h.) By mail
Source: Domingos Magalhães, Director of Services, STAPE (A Department of the Ministry of Domestic Affairs), Portugal, dmagalhaes(a)mail.telepac.pt
Last updated: Thu, 11 Jul 2002 09:20:05 GMT
VC09 If the polling results are physically transported, what is transported?
d. Voter rolls
f. Certificate of result
h. Other
Comments: h. invalid votes and those object of protest on reclamation.
Source: STAPE-Mr. Domingos Magalhães
Last updated: Fri, 09 Nov 2001 12:57:25 GMT
VC10 If the polling results are physically transported, what security measures are used?
c. Signatures on sealed envelopes
Source: STAPE-Mr. Domingos Magalhães
Last updated: Fri, 09 Nov 2001 12:58:00 GMT
VC11 Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
e. Court order
f. Other
Comments: f) Regional level counting assembly.
Source: Domingos Magalhães, Director of Services, STAPE (A Department of the Ministry of Domestic Affairs), dmagalhaes(a)stape.pt
Last updated: Mon, 02 Sep 2002 16:13:17 GMT
VC12 If automatically recounted, what is the trigger?
e. Not applicable
Comments: The ballots are not automatically recounted.
Source: Domingos Magalhães, Director of Services, STAPE (A Department of the Ministry of Domestic Affairs), Portugal, dmagalhaes(a)mail.telepac.pt
Last updated: Thu, 11 Jul 2002 09:22:41 GMT
VC13 If ballots are recounted by request, who can make the request?
a. Political parties
b. An individual candidate
f. Other
Comments: f) electors.
Source: Domingos Magalhães, Director of Services, STAPE (A Department of the Ministry of Domestic Affairs), dmagalhaes(a)stape.pt
Last updated: Mon, 02 Sep 2002 16:14:19 GMT
VC14 If recounted, who conducts the recount?
f. Local Government agency (specify)
h. Courts
i. Other
Comments: i) Regional level counting assembly.
Source: Domingos Magalhães, Director of Services, STAPE (A Department of the Ministry of Domestic Affairs), dmagalhaes(a)stape.pt
Last updated: Mon, 02 Sep 2002 16:15:39 GMT
VC15 Are preliminary results announced?
a. Yes
Source: Domingos Magalhães, Director of Services, STAPE (A Department of the Ministry of Domestic Affairs), dmagalhaes(a)stape.pt
Last updated: Mon, 02 Sep 2002 16:16:14 GMT
VC16 If preliminary results are announced, how long after the close of polls is this done?
a. hours: 3
Comments: Immediatley after the close of the polls the known results are disclosed to the media (TV, Radio, Press).
Source: Domingos Magalhães, Director of Services, STAPE (A Department of the Ministry of Domestic Affairs), dmagalhaes(a)stape.pt
Last updated: Mon, 02 Sep 2002 16:16:56 GMT
VC17 Is there a legal requirement for the declaration of the officially certified results?
a. Yes
Source: Domingos Magalhães, Director of Services, STAPE (A Department of the Ministry of Domestic Affairs), dmagalhaes(a)stape.pt
Last updated: Mon, 02 Sep 2002 16:17:37 GMT
VC18 How long after the close of polls is the certified results publicly announced? (if there is no legal requirement enter the average time)
b. days:
Comments: b) 10 days (The votes of the residents abroad are counted on the 10th day after the election).
Source: Domingos Magalhães, Director of Services, STAPE (A Department of the Ministry of Domestic Affairs), dmagalhaes(a)stape.pt
Last updated: Mon, 02 Sep 2002 16:18:05 GMT
Voter Education
VE01 Who conducts voter education and information campaigns at the national elections (informing where, when and how to register and vote)?
a. National Electoral Management Body
f. Local Governments
Source: Law No.71/78 Domingos Magalhães, Director of Services, STAPE (A Department of the Ministry of Domestic Affairs), Portugal, dmagalhaes(a)mail.telepac.pt
Last updated: Thu, 11 Jul 2002 08:31:55 GMT
VE02 At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
b. Election time only
Source: STAPE-Mr. Domingos Magalhães
Last updated: Fri, 09 Nov 2001 10:17:28 GMT
VE03 Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
a. No
Source: STAPE-Mr. Domingos Magalhães
Last updated: Fri, 09 Nov 2001 10:18:03 GMT
VE04 What types of voter education activities were carried out at the most recent national elections?
a. Poster/ Billboard campaigns
b. Media advertisement
Source: STAPE-Mr. Domingos Magalhães
Last updated: Fri, 09 Nov 2001 10:18:44 GMT
VE05 What types of civic education activities were carried out at the most recent national elections?
i. Not applicable
Source: STAPE-Mr. Domingos Magalhães
Last updated: Fri, 09 Nov 2001 10:19:19 GMT
VE06 Special voter education programs were developed at the most recent national elections for:
h. Not applicable
Comments: Special voter education programs were not developed at the most recent election.
Source: Domingos Magalhães, Director of Services, STAPE (A Department of the Ministry of Domestic Affairs), Portugal, dmagalhaes(a)mail.telepac.pt
Last updated: Thu, 11 Jul 2002 08:33:20 GMT
Voting Operations
VO01 Approximately what percentage (on the basis of cost) of election day supplies and equipment are obtained or produced within the country?
b. 81-90%
Source: STAPE-Mr. Domingos Magalhães
Last updated: Fri, 09 Nov 2001 11:06:28 GMT
VO02 Is there a code of conduct for election officials?
a. Yes
Comments: see at http://stape.pt/126 99.doc (in portuguese)
Source: Law 26/99, mai 3rd. Domingos Magalhães, Director of Services, STAPE (A Department of the Ministry of Domestic Affairs), Portugal, dmagalhaes(a)mail.telepac.pt
Last updated: Thu, 11 Jul 2002 09:02:08 GMT
VO03 Where can electors vote?
a. At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections
f. By mail
Comments: By mail - residents abroad only.
Source: Domingos Magalhães, Director of Services, STAPE (A Department of the Ministry of Domestic Affairs), Portugal, dmagalhaes(a)mail.telepac.pt
Last updated: Thu, 11 Jul 2002 09:03:24 GMT
VO04 Who can vote from outside the country?
b. Citizens residing outside the country
Source: L14/79 DL319/76 Organic Law, 3/2000 Domingos Magalhães, Director of Services, STAPE (A Department of the Ministry of Domestic Affairs), Portugal, dmagalhaes(a)mail.telepac.pt
Last updated: Thu, 11 Jul 2002 09:04:19 GMT
VO05 If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
a. Embassies
b. Consulates
e. By mail
Comments: a) and b) Permitted when election for the Head of State. e)Permitted when election for Parliament.
Source: L14/79, Art.172 DL95-C/76
Last updated: Wed, 19 Jun 2002 14:06:23 GMT
VO06 Can people vote in advance of the designated national election day(s)?
b. Yes
Source: Domingos Magalhães, Director of Services, STAPE (A Department of the Ministry of Domestic Affairs), Portugal, dmagalhaes(a)mail.telepac.pt
Last updated: Thu, 11 Jul 2002 09:05:06 GMT
VO07 If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), how may they do so?
d. At mobile polling stations
Source: Domingos Magalhães, Director of Services, STAPE (A Department of the Ministry of Domestic Affairs), Portugal, dmagalhaes(a)mail.telepac.pt
Last updated: Thu, 11 Jul 2002 09:05:35 GMT
VO08 If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), specify who:
d. People in hospitals
e. People in prison
f. Other
Comments: f) Military personell, police, maritime, aviation, railway workers placed outside their usual residence and members of national sports teams.
Source: DL319/76, article 70(A) L14/79, article 79(A)
Last updated: Mon, 02 Sep 2002 16:11:17 GMT
VO09 Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
a. Yes
Source: STAPE-Mr. Domingos Magalhães
Last updated: Fri, 09 Nov 2001 12:43:12 GMT
VO10 Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
a. Yes, the maximum capacity is: 1000
Source: STAPE-Mr. Domingos Magalhães
Last updated: Mon, 13 May 2002 09:05:44 GMT
VO11 How do electors cast their votes?
a. By manually marking the ballot
Comments: d.) There is a law currently pending approval that would, if passed, allow voting by electronic voting machine.
Source: Domingos Magalhães, Director of Services, STAPE (A Department of the Ministry of Domestic Affairs), Portugal, dmagalhaes(a)mail.telepac.pt
Last updated: Thu, 11 Jul 2002 09:06:56 GMT
VO12 How many staff are assigned to each polling station?
a. The smallest polling station: 5
b. The largest polling station: 5
Comments: 3-5 but almost always 5.
Source: STAPE-Mr. Domingos Magalhães
Last updated: Fri, 09 Nov 2001 12:45:56 GMT
Voter Registration
VR01 What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
c. 18
Source: Constitution, Art.49(1)
Last updated: Fri, 07 Jun 2002 09:39:08 GMT
VR02 Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
a. Citizenship
Source: Constitution, Art.49(1)
Last updated: Fri, 07 Jun 2002 09:39:43 GMT
VR03 What restrictions on registering to vote and voting exist in the country?
d. Mental disability
h. Other
Comments: h.) Inability to manage own affairs and deprivation of political rights by judicial decision (extremely rare cases).
Source: L14/79, Art.2 DL319/76, Art.3
Last updated: Fri, 07 Jun 2002 09:41:10 GMT
VR04 Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
c. Local Government Authority
Source: Domingos Magalhães, Director of Services, STAPE (A Department of the Ministry of Domestic Affairs), Portugal, dmagalhaes(a)mail.telepac.pt
Last updated: Thu, 11 Jul 2002 08:35:14 GMT
VR05 What is the registration method for national elections?
b. Voters register
Comments: Registration of voters is compulsory and permanent.
Source: Constitution, Art.113
Last updated: Fri, 07 Jun 2002 09:47:31 GMT
VR06 How frequently is the voters register updated?
a. Continuously
Source: Domingos Magalhães, Director of Services, STAPE (A Department of the Ministry of Domestic Affairs), Portugal, dmagalhaes(a)mail.telepac.pt
Last updated: Thu, 11 Jul 2002 08:36:29 GMT
VR07 What methods are used to compile and update the voters register?
a. Links to national population records
e. Appearance by voter at registration office
Comments: a. National Identification Database.
Source: Mr. Domingos Magalhães-STAPE
Last updated: Thu, 11 Jul 2002 08:37:11 GMT
May 20, 2008 08:19 AM
