World
Polls close in Portuguese general election
Sunday, 20 February 2005 22:45
Portugal's opposition Socialists have won their first outright majority in parliament since the country returned to democracy in 1974, according to exit polls.
The Socialists, led by former environment minister Jose Socrates, polled 46.9% to 50.7% of the vote, in an early general election.
The results give them the absolute majority needed to implement their platform to boost the lagging economy in western Europe's poorest country.
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It is the fourth general election in the country in the past three years.
The vote, which had not been expected until 2006, was called early by the President, Jorge Sampaio, who said the current administration lacked credibility.
The campaign has focussed on political stability and economic growth.
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