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[Portugal] Solemn Session Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the National Electoral Commission of Portugal
Last updated 2025-01-31

Solemn Session Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the National Electoral Commission of Portugal



On 15 January 2025, the Solemn Session commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the National Electoral Commission (CNE) was held in the Senate Chamber of the Assembly of the Republic. This event aimed to celebrate the memory and legacy of this institution. 

The President of CNE, José António Henriques dos Santos Cabral, opened the session with a reflective speech, emphasising the Commission's crucial role as “(...) the guardian of the electoral process, [which] plays a fundamental role in ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections.” 

The ceremony also included an address by the President of the Assembly of the Republic, José Pedro Aguiar-Branco, who praised the mission of the CNE and its relevance to the consolidation of portuguese democracy. 


Tributes to Presidents and Members 

One of the most poignant moments of the session was the tribute paid to the Presidents who have led the CNE over its five decades of existence: 

1. Adriano Vera Jardim (1975–1980); 

2. João Augusto Pacheco e Melo Franco (1980–1995); 

3. Armando Pinto Bastos (1995–2000); 

4. António de Sousa Guedes (2000–2006); 

5. João Carlos Barros Caldeira (2006–2010); 

6. Fernando Costa Soares (2010–2016); 

7. José Vítor Soreto de Barros (2016–2024). 

 

Special recognition was also given to members who served the Commission for over 20 years: 

- João Azevedo de Oliveira: Member of the CNE from 1982 to 2000 and from 2011 to 2016; 

- Jorge Manuel Ferreira Miguéis: Member of the CNE from 1996 to 2019; 

- João Manuel Rosa de Almeida: Member of the CNE since 2003. 

 

Recognition of Historic Contributions 

Particular emphasis was given to three individuals whose contributions were especially significant to the history of the Commission: 

- Luís Costa Correia: The first Director-General of the Technical Secretariat for Electoral Process Affairs (STAPE), from 1975 to 1977; 

- Maria de Fátima Carvalho da Costa Figueira Abrantes Mendes: Secretary of the CNE from 1979 to 2006; 

- Armindo António Lopes Ribeiro Mendes: Secretary of the first meeting of the I National Electoral Commission. 

 

The commemorative plaques were presented by the Presidents of the CNE and the Assembly of the Republic, who personally greeted each honouree in a gesture of deep appreciation. 


 



 

Moments of Celebration and Reflection 

The ceremony featured the screening of a video recounting the history and key milestones of the Commission over the past five decades. 

 

 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NS0Z9J3Kww

 

Another highlight was the inauguration of the virtual exhibition “50 Years of CNE”, an extensive retrospective on the Commission's activities since 1974. Divided into two thematic sections — “50 Years of CNE” and “651 Elections and Referenda” — the exhibition showcased the Commission's major initiatives, detailed data on the 651 electoral and referenda events held in Portugal since 1975, and information about the composition of the various Commissions over the years. 

 

 


 

 https://50anos.cne.pt/

 

Closing Remarks 

The President José António Henriques dos Santos Cabral concluded the session with words of gratitude and a reaffirmation of the CNE’s commitment to the democratic values that have guided its work since its establishment. 

 

This event not only celebrated the legacy of the National Electoral Commission but also underscored the importance of institutions that serve as the cornerstones of democracy in Portugal.