Portugal elects president to second term

PORTUGAL elected its conservative president to a second term yesterday, exit polls indicated, delivering a harsh political setback to the minority Socialist government, which is struggling to contain an acute economic crisis.

Anibal Cavaco Silva, who is supported by the main opposition Social Democratic Party, collected between 51% and 58% of the vote compared with 17%-21% for second-placed Socialist Party candidate Manuel Alegre, polls by the three broadcasters said.

Four other candidates picked up the other votes.