Pizarro begs Pedro Duarte for votes and a Xanax prescription

"Make sure you vote, damn it!" This appeal, very much in the "Porto" style—which Manuel Pizarro turned into a slogan —demonstrates the plight of those who don't move in the polls and desperately need to mobilize loyal voters and capture the undecided. The latest published poll, despite the technical tie, gives his main opponent, Pedro Duarte, a slight lead, and one thing must be certain: nothing is won . Quite the contrary. And those who are voting for the third time know this well. To this end, the Socialist candidate is using every possible approach to distance himself from Pedro Duarte, positioning himself as the " unusual candidate " against the " government representative ."

It's just after 11:00 a.m. when Manuel Pizarro walks the streets of Antas. He doesn't let a potential voter escape. He chases after a lady hiding behind a tree just to hand her a leaflet ("This is literally chasing voters ," the entourage shouts), enters every café, never missing a table. If there's anyone, it's to talk. He only spares paper or gifts for those who don't vote in Porto. Under the tunnel leading to Velásquez Square, he runs into an acquaintance. They embrace warmly, patting each other on the back. As he says goodbye, he hears a " Mr. President !" It's more than enough reason to stop suddenly. Nothing is won, and everyone needs to be warned: " Calm down, we need to vote! Everyone needs to go vote."

The warning is repeated over and over again, whenever they hear someone say, "You're safe" or "This time it's already won." Pizarro's entourage fears the anticipated euphoria that so often leaves voters on the couch, and creates a narrative to counter it. "My happiness is at the tip of your pen," Pizarro responds when they wish him well. "Don't forget, there are only 10 days left; you really have to go," pleads another pensioner. At that time of the morning, several people are sitting in the cafés, and Pizarro, the doctor candidate, even has boxes of medicine to give away. "They're a success," assures a member with half a dozen in his hands.

On the street, Pizarro is energetic, leading the procession, talking to everyone, and leaving no one unanswered. And he's even driven by superstitions . During the march, which has already lasted two hours and will last another, he enters a café because he's been given a guarantee: "This gentleman told me that whenever the Socialist Party caravan passes by here and eats a pastel and a custard, he wins." That's what he does, lest the devil weave his plans .

Although the campaign's spirit is positive and doesn't appear to be shaken by the polls, it's also recognized that, with everything so tied, it's necessary to accelerate and not miss the boat. And, above all, there's the intention to elevate the "Manuel Pizarro" brand as much as possible, making it superior to that of the PS itself, especially with the independents he brought to the list and the faces of the Rui Moreira movement within its ranks. Furthermore, studies show that the candidate enjoys notoriety and good levels of acceptance on the streets, so the campaign team's decision is to exploit this aspect.