The 2013 Portuguese Socialist Party leadership election was held on 13 April 2013 to elect a new Secretary-General of the Socialist Party.
The incumbent Secretaty-general, António José Seguro, ran for re-election, despite much criticism within the party. Meanwhile, after much speculation about a potential candidacy from Mayor of Lisbon António Costa, an agreement was made between Seguro and Costa in order to prevent a leadership challenge.
Seguro's only opposition was Madeiran lawyer Aires Pedro, who announced his candidacy after Costa's decision not to run. In the end, Seguro defeated Aires Pedro in a landslide, winning 93% of the votes.
Candidates
Declared NameBornExperienceAntónio José Seguro(age 51)PenamacorLeader of the Opposition (2011–2014)Secretary-general of the Socialist Party (2011–2014)Member of Parliament for Braga (2005–2014)Parliamentary leader of the Socialist Party (2004–2005)Minister in the Cabinet of the Prime Minister (2001–2002)Member of the European Parliament (1999–2001)Secretary of State Assistant to the Prime Minister (1997–1999)Secretary of State for Youth (1995–1997)Member of Parliament for Guarda (1995–1999)Secretary-general of the Socialist Youth (1990–1994)Member of Parliament for Porto (1991–1995)Member of Parliament for Lisbon (1985–1987; 2002–2005)Aires Pedro(age 40)FunchalLawyerMember of the National Jurisidiction Commission of the Socialist Party (formerly)
Withrew
João Nogueira Santos – innovation manager
Declined
António Costa – incumbent Mayor of Lisbon (2007–2015); former Minister of Internal Administration (2005–2007); former Minister of Justice (1999–2002); former Minister of Parliamentary Affairs (1997–1999)
Opinion polling
Polling firmFieldwork dateSample sizeAntónio José SeguroAntónio CostaFrancisco AssisJosé SócratesOthers/ UndecidedLeadPitagórica19–24 Mar 201350323.343.211.04.518.019.9Pitagórica20–24 Feb 201350319.642.56.85.026.122.9Pitagórica22–25 Jan 201350418.241.89.44.326.323.6Pitagórica9–12 Nov 201250517.248.57.56.020.831.3Pitagórica8–13 Oct 201250318.840.211.44.425.221.4
Results + Summary of the April 2013 PS leadership election results Candidate13 April 2013 Votes % António José Seguro 24,843 92.96 Aires Pedro 892 3.34 Total 25,735 Valid votes 25,735 96.30 Invalid and blank ballots 990 3.70 Votes cast / turnout 26,725 62.10 Registered voters 43,034 Sources: Expresso
References