Both the governing Socialists and opposition Social Democrats are claiming victory following the Portuguese municipal elections.

The Socialists have a five percentage point advantage in terms of votes, but have won four fewer town halls, although they have retained control of the jewel in the crown, Lisbon. In fact the PS has won more votes than four years ago, and its share of the vote is marginally up on its general election score of two weeks ago. The Social Democrats control most of the regional capitals. They include the country’s second city Porto, where the PSD retains power with an absolute majority. Parties like the Communist-Green alliance and the far left which did well in the general election lost ground, and turnout was also slightly down on 2005, at just 59 percent.More about: Portugal, Portuguese election

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