The start of general elections in Portugal and the moderates' attempt to keep the populists away

On Sunday, polling stations officially opened in Portugal's general elections, as mainstream moderates try to keep a populist party out of power.

The elections are taking place against the backdrop of corruption scandals and economic difficulties that have led to a decline in confidence in the main moderate parties, and this could push a large number of voters into the arms of a far-right populist party.

A series of recent corruption scandals have tarnished the reputations of two parties that have alternated in power for decades – the centre-left Socialist Party and the centre-right Social Democratic Party.

 Low wages and rising costs of living – exacerbated last year by rising inflation and interest rates – combined with the housing crisis and failures in public health care, have contributed to growing discontent among voters.

Against this background, the emergence of Chiga (Kifaya), a populist party, represents a way out for some as it is likely to make the most of the current public mood.

Chiga's party is widely expected to be the third most voted-for party in a political shift to the right already seen elsewhere in Europe. Spain and France have witnessed similar trends in recent years.

Chiga's party may end up in the role of kingmaker if a larger party needs the support of smaller rivals to form the government.