Portugal’s ruling Socialist party (PS) won early legislative elections Sunday, securing an outright majority in parliament, according to exit polls.
Prime Minister Antonio Costa, the leader of the PS, said in his victory speech that they will rule the country for the next four years with 117 or 118 deputies in the 230-seat parliament.
"An outright majority doesn't mean absolute power. In a democracy, it doesn't mean to govern alone. I will establish dialogue with all political parties representing the Portuguese," Costa said.
"It is a triumph of humility, confidence and stability. I must admit that tonight is very special to me."
The number of the Left Bloc's deputies decreased from 19 to 4 and those in the Communist Party and Greens Alliance Unitarian Democratic Coalition from 12 to 5.
Meanwhile, Rui Rio, 64, the former mayor of Porto who has been leading the Social Democratic Party (PSD), announced that he would resign after the PS secured an absolute majority.
In addition, the far-right Chega (Enough) party increased the number of its deputies from one to 11 with 7.15% of the vote.
Also, the Liberal Initiative party increased the number of its deputies from one to six.
With 99% of the ballot boxes opened by the Interior Ministry, the current seat distribution of 212 seats out of the 230-seat parliament is as follows: PS 112, Social Democratic Party 68, Chega (Enough) 11, Liberal Initiative 6, the Left Bloc 4, Communist Party and Greens Alliance Unitarian Democratic Coalition 5, Social Democratic Center 3, Democratic Alliance 2 and Free-Livre 1.
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