Lisbon: Veteran centre-right politician and television pundit Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has won Portugal's presidential elections.
With nearly 99% of the vote counted, the 67-year-old is winning 52% - enough to avoid a run-off, according to the (BBC).
His closest rival, leftist Antonio Sampaio da Novoa, is polling 22%.
The post of president is mainly ceremonial, but the head of state can dissolve parliament. A shaky left-wing coalition currently governs Portugal.
AFP
