Political facts

Portugal is a Parliamentary Republic, the legislative power is performed by Parliament which consists of one only chamber and deputies are elected trough direct and universal vote according to the proporcional system of Hondt for a period of four years.
Palácio de S. Bento - Portuguese Parliament

The President of the Republic is elected through direct and universal vote for a five year periode. According the limitations foreseen in the constitution, it belongs to the President of the Republic the right of solving the Parliament, to nominate the Prime Minister and to solve the Government.

 Palácio de Belém - Official Residence of the Portuguese President of the Republic

Palácio de Belém, gardens and interiors

 Aníbal Cavaco-Silva, President of the Republic
The archipelagos of Madeira and Azores are autonomic regions whose statute foreseen the election of a Regional Assembly through direct and universal vote and this Assembly constitutes a regional government with very important powers. In Portugal, elections are usually on a Sunday or Holiday and to be a voter its necessary to be 18 years old.