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President’s statement

President of the Republic sets date of 27 September for Parliamentary elections

The President of the Republic announced that he has set the date of 27 September for Parliamentary elections to be held, in a statement addressed from the Palace of Belém.

The text of the President’s announcement is as follows:

"To all the Portuguese,

I have taken the decision to set the date for the elections of members of Parliament to be held on 27 September next.

This decision was taken after having heard the political parties represented in Parliament. Of these, 5 political parties categorically stated not being in favour of Parliamentary elections being held simultaneously with the elections for local authorities. Only one of the parties held the opinion that both elections should take place on the same day.

On the other hand, all the parties were of the opinion that, should the elections not be held simultaneously, their preference was that these should be held on 27 September.

It is my belief that, as regards setting of dates for elections to be held, the opinion of the political parties should be specifically taken into consideration by the President of the Republic. I must thus accept the arguments put forward by the parties since the elections are being disputed amongst them.

Two electoral acts are thus approaching: Parliamentary elections which will be held on 27 September; and elections for local authorities, that the Government has set for 11 October.

It is my duty to appeal that electoral campaigns are held peacefully and with civility, and that debates and discussions comprise the real issues which concern the Portuguese.

I appeal to all the Portuguese that they participate in the elections which will be held after summer has ended, since the prime issue is their future and the future of Portugal. Voting is a civic duty and an act of responsibility."