An employee wearing a protective suit cleans as people vote for the Portuguese presidential election

Video. Portugal votes for new president at height of COVID pandemic

Portugal held a presidential election amid rising COVID-19 cases.

Portugal held a presidential election amid rising COVID-19 cases.

The 72-year-old incumbent president Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa is seen as the clear frontrunner to win a second five-year term.

The candidate has to win 50% of the vote in the first round to be declared a winner.

But turnout is likely to be low amid a surge in coronavirus cases.

Portugal increased polling stations and allowed early voting to reduce crowds.