Portugal’s third general election in three years has failed to deliver the result that could break the worst spell of political instability for decades in the European Union country of 10.6 million people.

The hard-right Chega party surged in the snap election, securing its status as a powerful political contender.

Portugal's governing right-of-centre Democratic Alliance has won snap parliamentary elections - the third in as many years - again falling short of a majority. Its leader Luís Montenegro promised supporters to "stimulate investment" and to "guarantee prosperity and social justice".