Portuguese voters made their way to the polls on Sunday in the presidential election as the conservative law professor is considered the favorite to win it, dpa reported. Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, a 67-year-old professor and journalist, is expected to emerge victorious from Sunday's elections and could receive enough votes to capture an absolute majority in the first round of voting. If none of the candidates receive an absolute majority, Portuguese voters will head to the polls for a runoff on February 14. The candidates likely to face off against Rebelo in a runoff are socialist-oriented Antonio Sampaio da Novoa and socialist Maria de Belem. After serving two terms in office, current President Anibal Cavaco Silva is obliged to step down on March 9. The role of president in Portugal has the power to veto legislation, dissolve parliament and call new elections.
