An election of MEP representing Portugal constituency for the 1989-1994 term of the European Parliament was held on 18 June 1989. It was part of the wider 1989 European election.

The Social Democratic Party (PSD) won the elections with almost 33 percent of the votes, but lost a lot of ground compared with 1987. Although the country was experiencing a significant economic growth at that time, the PSD saw the gap between them and the Socialists narrow to around 4 percentage points. On the other hand, the Socialist Party (PS), although failing to topple the PSD as the largest party, performed quite well gaining more than 6% of the votes and polling above 28 percent, compared with the 22 percent in 1987. They also gained 2 MEPs, while the PSD lost one.

The Democratic Unity Coalition (CDU) also performed very well, winning 14 percent and becoming the third political force. The Communist/Green alliance was also able to win one more MEP than in 1987. CDS saw its share of vote drop a bit, to also 14 percent, and was surpassed by CDU, falling to fourth place.

Turnout fell dramatically in these election, with just 51 percent of voters casting a ballot.

Electoral System The voting method used, for the election of European members of parliament, is by proportional representation using the d'Hondt method, which is known to benefit leading parties. In the 1989 EU elections, Portugal had 24 seats to be filled. Deputies are elected in a single constituency, corresponding to the entire national territory.

Parties and candidates The major parties that partook in the election, and their EP list leaders, were:Comissão Nacional de Eleições - Deputados

Democratic Unity Coalition (CDU), Carlos Carvalhas Socialist Party (PS), João Cravinho Social Democratic Party (PSD), António Capucho Democratic and Social Centre (CDS), Francisco Lucas Pires People's Monarchist Party (PPM), Miguel Esteves Cardoso Portuguese Democratic Movement (MDP/CDE), António Victorino de Almeida Popular Democratic Union (UDP), Luís Fazenda Portuguese Workers' Communist Party (PCTP/MRPP), António Garcia Pereira Workers' Party of Socialist Unity (POUS), Carmelinda Pereira

Campaign period Party slogans Party or alliance Original slogan English translation Refs PSD « Ganhar 92 » "Win 92" PS « Vamos mudar Portugal para Portugal ganhar » "Let's change Portugal for Portugal to win" CDS « Com Lucas Pires, no coração da Europa » "With Lucas Pires, at the heart of Europe!" CDU « CDU: é melhor para Portugal » "CDU: it's better for Portugal"

Candidates' debates 1989 European Parliament election in Portugal debates Date Organisers Moderator(s) PSD PS CDS CDU Refs 22 May RTP1 António Amaral PaisPPPP

Results

Distribution by European group + Summary of political group distribution in the 3rd European Parliament (1989–1994) Groups Parties Seats Total % Liberal Democrat and Reform Party (LDR) 9 9 37.50 Socialist Group (SOC) 8 8 33.33 European United Left (EUL) 3 3 12.50 European People's Party (EPP) 3 3 12.50 The Green Group in the European Parliament (G) 1 1 4.17 Total 24 24 100.00

Maps

See also Politics of Portugal List of political parties in Portugal Elections in Portugal European Parliament

Notes

References

External links Comissão Nacional de Eleições Results according to the Portuguese Electoral Commission of the 18 June 1989 election of the 24 delegates from Portugal to the European Parliament