Chega's First Mayor Involved in Clash at Polling Station

José Carlos Gonçalves Wins in São Vicente After Incident Involving PSD Delegate Filmed at Polling Station

José Carlos Gonçalves, a local insurance broker and former member of the Socialist Party (PS), was elected as the first-ever mayor from the right-wing Chega party on Sunday in São Vicente, Madeira. His victory came amid controversy: before the votes were even fully counted, Gonçalves was involved in a physical confrontation with a delegate from the Social Democratic Party (PSD) inside a polling station in Lameiros.

The incident, recorded on video shows Gonçalves reacting angrily after being filmed by the PSD representative, who accused him of staying too long in the room and attempting to influence voters. The footage quickly circulated online.

Candidate Claims “Unfair and Distorted” Portrayal of Events in Video Released Online

In a written statement, Gonçalves argued that the video had been taken out of context. According to him, he had entered the polling station only to deliver food to Chega’s delegates and stayed a few extra minutes to talk with a friend. He said he was filmed without consent. “The episode was distorted and amplified unfairly,” his statement read.

Despite the controversy, the incident did not seem to hurt his electoral results. Gonçalves won in all three parishes of the municipality — Boaventura, Ponta Delgada, and São Vicente - where a total of 5,994 voters were registered.

PSD Defeat Linked to Local Discontent and Internal Party Confusion

The Social Democratic Party (PSD), which had governed São Vicente for the past 12 years under José António Garcês, faced growing public dissatisfaction over housing and licensing issues. The election also came after internal turmoil within the party: regional leader Miguel Albuquerque repeatedly changed his chosen candidate for the municipality, causing confusion among supporters.

Sources: Expresso.pt, Diário de Notícias Madeira