The voice of our people

Portugal was never just the planted seaside rectangle we know. Portugal is a living idea, made of courage, work and the determination of millions of Portuguese who, despite the distance, keep the connection to their homeland. And it was precisely this force that our diaspora demonstrated in the 2025 legislative elections, leaving an indelible mark in the political configuration of the country.

More than 352,000 voters abroad participated in the electoral act, demonstrating that Portugal is much more than its physical boundaries. Each vote sent from abroad was a statement of belonging, identity, commitment to the collective destination of the nation. They were not just filled bulletins; They were gestures of bond and responsibility to the future of our country.

But this enthusiasm bumped into a worrying reality: more than 113,000 votes were annulled. This annulment rate is a clear sign that the electoral process for our diaspora needs to be rethought and modernized. This is not the first time that the electoral participation of the diaspora generates controversy. Many of these null votes have resulted from administrative errors, unclear instructions, communication failures, and unnecessary bureaucracies. We cannot accept that so many votes are lost when each one represents a piece of our Portugal spread around the world.

The diaspora was decisive for the definition of opposition leadership, but also launched us a warning: it is urgent to ensure that all Portuguese, regardless of where they reside, can fully exercise their civic rights. It is essential to simplify voting procedures, clarify instructions and invest in technological solutions that make the process safer and more accessible.

Portugal is much more than that fits at the borders of the continent and the islands. We are a global nation, built by the courage of those who departed and the hope of those who stayed. Our diaspora is made of stories of overcoming and successful, businessmen who bear the name of Portugal beyond borders, young people who study and work abroad, communities that preserve Portuguese language and culture with pride.

It is to all these Portuguese that we owe gratitude and recognition. They are the ones who project Portugal in the world, who keep our identity alive, which continue to contribute, even from afar, to the development of our country. This is why your vote cannot be devalued or disrespected.

The participation of the diaspora in the elections is more than a symbolic act: it is an unambiguous manifestation that Portugal is built by all, wherever they are. It is proof that we are a united, resilient people with a deep sense of community.

We must therefore turn this lesson into action. Improving the voting process for the Portuguese abroad is not just a technical matter – it is a matter of justice and respect. It is to ensure that each voice counts, that each citizen has its place in the construction of the future of Portugal.

Portugal is, and always will be, a nation without borders. A nation made from the strength and will of your people. It is time to honor this truth and to build a democracy that values ​​all its citizens, wherever they are.