1986 Portuguese presidential election

none Portugal presidential 1980 Portuguese presidential election 1980 1991 Portuguese presidential election 1991 26 January 1986 (first round)16 February 1986 (second round) 75.39% (first round) 9.00pp77.99% (second round) Medalha de Galiza 1993 - 5.jpg 235 110 150 8 62 Mário Soares Socialist Party (Portugal) 3,010,756 51.18% Freitas do Amaral, XV Cimeira Ibero-Americana - Salamanca, Espanha (cropped).jpg 130 110 150 0 8 Diogo Freitas doAmaral CDS 90% Supported by: off PSD PDC 2,872,064 48.82% 220px First round results by district 220px First round results by municipality 220px Second round results by district 220px Second round results by municipality 3 Soares #FFC5DA 30-40% #FFAACC 40-50% #FF80B2 50-60% #FF5599 60-70% #FF2A7F 70-80% #f30765ff 80-90% Amaral #dcf1f8 30-40% #afd8e5 40-50% #85c3d7 50-60% #5aadc8 60-70% #2a96ba 70-80% #217693 80-90% #17586d >90% Zenha #aae5aa 30-40% #87de87 40-50% #5fd35f 50-60% #37c837 60-70% President António Ramalho Eanes Independent (politician) Mário Soares Socialist Party (Portugal) Presidential elections were held in Portugal on 26 January 1986, with a second round on 16 February. This was closest presidential election ever held in Portugal and was won by the Socialist Mário Soares, who initially had no more than 8 percent in opinion polls.https://sol.iol.pt/2017/01/07/mario-soares-o-presidente-dos-8-ate-aos-70-e-a-unanimidade-nacional/ Mário Soares. O Presidente dos 8% até aos 70% e a unanimidade nacional pt Sol 19 January 2026 7 January 2017 The first round was easily won by Freitas do Amaral, supported by all the right-wing parties, with 46% of the votes. Soares advanced to the second round, gathering 25% of the votes, by beating the other two left-wing candidates: former prime minister Maria de Lourdes Pintasilgo, the first woman to be a candidate for the Portuguese presidency, however polling at just 7% of the votes, and socialist dissident Salgado Zenha with 21% of the votes. Both candidates, directly or indirectly, supported Soares in the second round. In the first round, Soares did not achieve the majority of the votes in any district, as the left-wing strongholds in the south of Portugal voted for Zenha due to his support from the Communist Party. As results for the second round were counted, the urban vote, traditionally more left-wing, overcame the early lead of Freitas do Amaral, with Soares narrowly winning by a 51 to 49 percent margin, less than 140,000 votes difference, and with the map showing a clear North-South divide. Voter turnout was strong in both rounds, 75% and 78%, respectively. Mário Soares was sworn in as president on 9 March 1986, the first civilian to hold the post (not counting caretakers) in 60 years.https://arquivos.rtp.pt/conteudos/posse-de-mario-soares-como-presidente-da-republica/ Posse de Mário Soares como Presidente da República pt RTP Arquivos 18 February 2026 9 March 1986 From 1986 until 2006, the PS supported candidates won every presidential election in Portugal. For 40 years this would be the only time a direct Portuguese presidential election was decided in a runoff, until 2026.https://sicnoticias.pt/especiais/eleicoes-presidenciais/2026-01-19-segunda-volta-historica-entre-seguro-e-ventura-repete-cenario-de-ha-40-anos-com-quadro-politico-inverso-7000011f Segunda volta histórica entre Seguro e Ventura repete cenário de há 40 anos com quadro político inverso pt SIC Notícias 19 January 2026 19 January 2026 Background After being re-elected with 56% of the votes in December 1980,https://24noticias.sapo.pt/atualidade/artigos/ha-44-anos-morria-sa-carneiro-1980-foi-tambem-o-ultimo-ano-em-que-militares-se-candidataram-as-presidenciais 1980: quando os generais decidiam eleições em Portugal pt Sapo 25 August 2026 4 December 2024 president António Ramalho Eanes was constitutionally barred from running for a third term.https://sapo.pt/artigo/tracos-com-40-anos-repetem-se-696584b4444af89fe91c3085 Traços com 40 anos repetem-se pt Sapo 25 August 2026 12 January 2026 Like in his first term, Eanes second term as president was marked by deep economic and social problems, and government instability.https://expresso.pt/politica/os-erros-e-os-meritos-dos-presidentes-de-eanes-a-cavaco=f627301 Os erros e os méritos dos Presidentes, de Eanes a Cavaco Expresso 25 August 2026 15 August 2026 pt Following the death of prime minister Sá Carneiro, just days before his re-election,https://www.jn.pt/nacional/artigo/a-tragedia-de-camarate-que-fez-chorar-portugal/16349345 A tragédia de Camarate que fez chorar Portugal pt Jornal de Notícias 17 May 2023 25 August 2026 Eanes nominated the incumbent center-right Democratic Alliance's (AD) choice for prime minister, Francisco Pinto Balsemão.https://arquivos.rtp.pt/conteudos/tomada-de-posse-do-vii-governo-constitucional/ Tomada de posse do VII Governo Constitucional RTP 25 August 2026 9 January 1981 pt Just like with Sá Carneiro, Eanes had a very bad relationship with Balsemão and, later, also with Soares,https://expresso.pt/presidenciais2016/2016-01-19-Eanes-e-Balsemao-o-principio-da-desconfianca Eanes e Balsemão: o princípio da desconfiança Expresso 25 August 2026 19 January 2016 pt aggravated by a constitutional reform in 1982 aimed to remove powers from the president.https://www.infopedia.pt/artigos/$revisao-constitucional-de-1982 Revisão Constitucional de 1982 Infopédia Porto Editora 25 August 2026 pt Balsemão resigned in late 1982, and Eanes refused to nominate a new PSD prime minister, deciding to dissolve parliament and call an election."Presidente da República dissolve Assembleia da República, em 1983 ", RTP, 25 August 2026. Retrieved 7 June 2022. The election, on 25 April 1983, resulted in a PS minority win, with Mário Soares forming a coalition with the PSD, called the Central Bloc,https://www.infopedia.pt/artigos/$bloco-central Bloco Central Infopédia Porto Editora 25 August 2026 pt being forced to request a new tough and difficult bailout from the IMF to save the country's finances.https://www.publico.pt/2011/04/07/jornal/a-crise-economica-que-levou-portugal-a-provar-pela-primeira-vez-a-receita-do-fmi-21786788 A crise económica que levou Portugal a provar pela primeira vez a receita do FMI Público 25 August 2026 7 April 2011 pthttps://ffms.pt/pt-pt/estudos/1983-1984-crise-que-demorou-chegar 1983-1984: A crise que demorou a chegar Fundação Francisco Manuel dos Santos 25 August 2026 pt By the end of Eanes' term as head of state, Portugal became a full member of the European Economic Community,https://expresso.pt/economia/2023-04-13-1986-A-ver-Portugal--finalmente--na-CEE-5b25725c 1986: A ver Portugal (finalmente) na CEE Expresso 16 April 2023 25 August 2026 pt while the president's influence in the party system increased, with the creation of the Eanist inspired Democratic Renewal Party (PRD),https://www.rtp.pt/noticias/politica/a-historia-e-campanha-do-prd_v853565 A história e campanha do PRD RTP 8 September 2015 25 August 2026 pt which achieved a surprisingly strong third place in the October 1985 legislative election.https://www.rtp.pt/noticias/politica/prd-e-a-surpresa-das-legislativas-de-1985_v853563 PRD é a surpresa das legislativas de 1985 RTP 8 September 2015 29 August 2026 pt Pre-campaign In the follow-up for the presidential election, several prominent figures were mentioned as potential presidential candidates. Former prime minister Maria de Lourdes Pintasilgo was seen as a strong contender, leading several polls until late 1985, announcing her candidacy during the summer of 1985,https://www.dn.pt/arquivo/diario-de-noticias/a-candidatura-presidencial-de-pintasilgo--13123060.html A candidatura presidencial de Pintasilgo Diário de Notícias 10 December 2010 26 August 2026 pt and hoping for the backing from president Eanes, something that was subsequently thwarted.Eanes would later endorse Francisco Salgado Zenha.https://expresso.pt/presidenciais2016/2016-01-22-A-candidata-fora-do-sistema A candidata fora do sistema Expresso 22 January 2016 26 August 2026 pt Prime Minister Soares' candidacy was also the subject of much speculation, with him preparing it himself and expecting the support from the PSD, given the Central Bloc coalition.https://observador.pt/especiais/10-decisoes-politicas-da-vida-de-mario-soares/ As 10 grandes decisões políticas da vida de Soares Observador 7 December 2014 26 August 2026 pthttps://www.publico.pt/2016/06/07/politica/noticia/ja-nao-se-fazem-acordos-como-antigamente-1734293 Bloco Central: já não se fazem acordos como antigamente Público 7 June 2016 26 August 2026 pt However, the PSD was deeply divided on this issue, having no strategy or candidate, following the refusal of general Firmino Miguel, and being split between supporting Soares or Diogo Freitas do Amaral. The election of Aníbal Cavaco Silva as party leader, in May 1985, ended any chance of the PSD supporting Soares, with Cavaco officially announcing the party's support for Freitas do Amaral.https://observador.pt/especiais/30-anos-de-cavaco-silva-o-homem-e-as-circunstancias-de-uma-lideranca-quase-inesperada/ Ascensão no PSD. O homem e as circunstâncias de uma liderança (quase) inesperada Observador 16 May 2015 26 August 2026 pt Electoral system Any Portuguese citizen over 35 years old has the opportunity to run for president. In order to do so it is necessary to gather between 7,500 and 15,000 signatures and submit them to the Portuguese Constitutional Court. According to the Portuguese Constitution, a candidate needs a majority of votes to become elected. If no candidate gets this majority a second round will take place between the two most voted candidates. Candidates Official candidates Advanced to runoff CandidateParty supportPolitical office(s)DetailsMário Soares (61)117x117pxSocialist Party (Portugal) silver Socialist PartyPrime Minister (1976–1978; 1983–1985)Secretary-general of the Socialist Party (1973–1985)Minister without portfolio (1975)Minister of Foreign Affairs (1974–1975)Member of the Assembly of the Republic (1975–1986)Socialist Party (PS) founder; lawyer.Diogo Freitas do Amaral (44)Professor Doutor Diogo Freitas do Amaral.png 90 80 120 0 0 centerCDS – People's Party silver Democratic and Social CentreSocial Democratic Party (Portugal) silver Social Democratic PartyChristian Democratic Party (Portugal) silver Christian Democratic PartyDeputy Prime Minister (1980–1981; 1981–1983)Minister of National Defence (1981–1983)Minister of Foreign Affairs (1980–1981)President of the Democratic and Social Center (1974–1983)Member of the Assembly of the Republic (1975–1983)Democratic and Social Center (CDS) founder; university professor. Eliminated in first round CandidateParty supportPolitical office(s)DetailsFrancisco Salgado Zenha (62)Salgado Zenha (1976).jpg 100 80 120 0 10 centerDemocratic Renewal Party (Portugal) silver Democratic Renewal PartyPortuguese Communist Party silver Portuguese Communist PartyPortuguese Democratic Movement silver Portuguese Democratic MovementMinister of Finance (1975–1976)Minister of Justice (1974–1975)President of the Socialist Party's parliamentary group (1976–1983)Member of the Assembly of the Republic (1975–1983)Independent, former Socialist Party (PS) founding member; lawyer; endorsed by President António Ramalho Eanes. Maria de Lourdes Pintasilgo (56)1657533607333 NPC0001 Maria de Lourdes PINTASILGO 001 MOBILE.jpg 90 80 120 0 7 centerPopular Democratic Union (Portugal) silver Popular Democratic UnionPrime Minister (1979–1980)Minister of Social Affairs (1974–1975)Secretary of State for Social Security (1974)Member of the Corporative Chamber (1969–1974)Independent; engineer. Withdrew candidacy Ângelo Veloso – incumbent Member of the Assembly of the Republic (1975–1990); supported by the Portuguese Communist Party silver Portuguese Communist Party, left the race to support Salgado Zenha; Manuel da Costa Braz – former Minister of Home Affairs (1974–1975; 1976–1978; 1979–1980); former Ombudsman (1975–1976).A história é cíclica. 40 anos depois, Portugal está a caminho de uma segunda volta? https://sapo.pt/artigo/a-historia-e-ciclica-40-anos-depois-portugal-esta-a-caminho-de-uma-segunda-volta-6960a9d01e204725c28f5340 Sapo 9 January 2026 31 January 2026 Unsuccessful candidacies There were also three candidates rejected by the Portuguese Constitutional Court for not complying with the legal requirements: Carmelinda Pereira – former Member of the Assembly of the Republic (1975–1979); supported by the Workers' Party of Socialist Unity silver Workers' Party of Socialist Unity; Luís Carlos Franco; Álvaro Manuel Nunes. Declined Mário Firmino Miguel – general officer, former Defense Minister in 1974 and between 1976 and 1978;https://www.rtp.pt/play/p16112/e899593/a-duas-voltas-mario-soares-e-as-presidenciais-de-1986 A Duas Voltas: Mário Soares e as Presidenciais de 1986 Ep. 1 pt RTP Play 31 January 2026 1 January 2026 Daniel Proença de Carvalho – lawyer, former Minister of Social Communication between 1978 and 1979, RTP Chairman between 1980 and 1982. Later became campaign manager for Diogo Freitas do Amaral.https://www.infopedia.pt/artigos/$daniel-proenca-de-carvalho Daniel Proença de Carvalho pt Infopédia Porto Editora 31 January 2026 Campaign period Issues thumb|Freitas do Amaral campaign headquarters in Lisbon. thumb|Soares on the campaign trail in Vila Nova de Foz Côa. The 1986 presidential campaign was one of the most polarizing in Portugal's democratic history.https://expresso.pt/podcasts/liberdade-para-pensar/2023-07-14-1986-um-pais-dividido-ao-meio-na-campanha-para-as-presidenciais-942867cb 1986: um país dividido ao meio na campanha para as presidenciais pt Expresso 11 January 2026 14 July 2023 The center-right/right-wing presented a unified candidate, Diogo Freitas do Amaral, while the center-left/left-wing was divided between three candidates: Soares, Salgado Zenha and Pintasilgo.https://observador.pt/especiais/um-candidato-improvavel-a-direita-tres-a-esquerda-a-historia-da-eleicao-mais-louca-de-sempre/ Um candidato improvável à direita, três à esquerda. A história da "eleição mais louca de sempre" pt Observador 11 January 2026 4 October 2025 Soares' unpopularity during his term as prime minister, between 1983 and 1985, when several austerity policies were inacted because of the International Monetary Fund bailout leading to one of the worst social crises in Portuguese democracy,https://sicnoticias.pt/arquivo/mario-soares/2017-01-07-Soares-primeiro-ministro Soares, primeiro-ministro pt SIC Notícias 10 January 2026 7 January 2017 plus the long feud between Soares and the Portuguese Communist Party, created a deep divide on the left.https://observador.pt/especiais/a-vida-de-soares-parte-iii-o-feroz-combate-contra-o-pcp/ A vida de Soares, parte III. O feroz combate contra o PCP pt Observador 11 January 2026 7 January 2017 Soares' candidacy was further damaged by divisions within the Socialist Party, with his longtime friend and party ally Francisco Salgado Zenha announcing his candidacy with the endorsement of outgoing president António Ramalho Eanes, and later also with the support from the Communists,https://observador.pt/especiais/soares-e-zenha-a-luta-entre-irmaos-que-mudou-para-sempre-a-esquerda/ Soares e Zenha. A luta entre irmãos que mudou para sempre a esquerda pt Observador 11 January 2026 18 October 2025 whose candidate, Ângelo Veloso, withdrew from the race some days before the first round. The tensions on the left side of the political spectrum reached a breaking point on 15 January 1986, when Soares was violently assaulted by Communist supporters in Marinha Grande, a moment that was seen as a turning point in favour of Soares.https://expresso.pt/legislativas2015/2015-09-27-A-paulada-e-que-me-doi-mais “A paulada é que me dói mais” pt Expresso 11 January 2026 27 September 2015 On the first round, held on 26 January, Freitas and Soares advanced to a runoff.https://www.jn.pt/nacional/artigo/unicas-presidenciais-com-segunda-volta-foram-em-1986-entre-freitas-e-soares/18020430 Únicas presidenciais com segunda volta foram em 1986 entre Freitas e Soares pt Jornal de Notícias 10 January 2026 16 November 2025 Soares' passage to the runoff created a dilemma for the Communist Party, taking into account the acrimonious relationship between both.https://expresso.pt/presidenciais2016/2016-01-15-A-historia-dos-21-dias-do-menor-de-dois-males A história dos 21 dias do “menor de dois males” pt Expresso 11 January 2026 15 January 2026 Despite this background, the Communists decided to support Soares in the runoff, with party leader Álvaro Cunhal saying "if necessary, cover [Soares'] face on the ballot with one hand and vote with the other". Freitas' campaign used this support from the PCP to attack Soares, accusing him of contradicting himself by accepting the support of the Communists,https://www.rtp.pt/play/p16112/e900002/a-duas-voltas-mario-soares-e-as-presidenciais-de-1986 A Duas Voltas: Mário Soares e as Presidenciais de 1986 Ep. 4 pt RTP Play 11 January 2026 4 January 2026 while Soares accused Freitas of lack of political awareness before the 25 April 1974 revolution, pointing that Freitas "showed solidarity through silence" for the Estado Novo regime. Party slogans Candidate Original slogan English translation Refs Mário Soares « O voto do Povo »« Soares é fixe » "The vote of the People""Soares is cool" https://acervo.publico.pt/multimedia/infografia/os-cartazes-das-eleicoes-presidenciais-desde-1976-182 Os cartazes das eleições presidenciais desde 1976 pt Público 26 May 2020 Diogo Freitas do Amaral « Está na hora! » « Prá Frente Portugal! » "It's time!" "Go Forward Portugal!" https://acervo.publico.pt/multimedia/infografia/os-cartazes-das-eleicoes-presidenciais-desde-1976-182 Os cartazes das eleições presidenciais desde 1976 pt Público 26 May 2020 Francisco Salgado Zenha « Justiça e tolerância, confiança no futuro » "Justice and tolerance, confidence in the future" https://acervo.publico.pt/multimedia/infografia/os-cartazes-das-eleicoes-presidenciais-desde-1976-182 Os cartazes das eleições presidenciais desde 1976 pt Público 26 May 2020 Maria de Lourdes Pintasilgo « A coragem da decisão » "The courage of the decision" https://acervo.publico.pt/multimedia/infografia/os-cartazes-das-eleicoes-presidenciais-desde-1976-182 Os cartazes das eleições presidenciais desde 1976 pt Público 26 May 2020 Candidates' debates First round 1986 Portuguese presidential election debates Date Organisers Moderator(s)    black #D0FFD0  P  Present   black #ffffdd  A  Absent invitee black #FFD0D0  N  Non-invitee  Soares Freitas Zenha Pintasilgo Refs 17 Dec 1985 RTP1 Margarida MaranteNPPN 18 December 1985 http://casacomum.org/cc/visualizador?pasta=06879.196.30422#!6 Primeiro frente a frente entre Zenha Freitas pt Diário de Lisboa 26 May 2020 19 Dec 1985 RTP1 Miguel Sousa TavaresPNNP 19 December 1985 http://casacomum.org/cc/visualizador?pasta=06879.196.30423#!23 Programação RTP pt Diário de Lisboa 26 May 2020 26 Dec 1985 RTP1 Miguel Sousa TavaresNPNP 26 December 1985 http://casacomum.org/cc/visualizador?pasta=06879.196.30428#!23 Programação RTP pt Diário de Lisboa 26 May 2020 2 Jan 1986 RTP1 Miguel Sousa TavaresPNPN 3 January 1986 http://casacomum.org/cc/visualizador?pasta=06879.196.30434#!5 Nenhum foi surpreendido pt Diário de Lisboa 26 May 2020 7 Jan 1986 RTP1 Margarida MaranteNNPP 7 January 1986 http://casacomum.org/cc/visualizador?pasta=06879.196.30437#!23 Programação RTP pt Diário de Lisboa 26 May 2020 9 Jan 1986 RTP1 Miguel Sousa TavaresPPNN 9 January 1986 http://casacomum.org/cc/visualizador?pasta=06879.196.30439#!25 Programação RTP pt Diário de Lisboa 26 May 2020 Second round 1986 Portuguese presidential election debates Date Organisers Moderator(s)    black #D0FFD0  P  Present   black #ffffdd  A  Absent invitee black #FFD0D0  N  Non-invitee  Soares Freitas Refs 4 Feb 1986 RTP1 Margarida MaranteMiguel Sousa TavaresPP 4 February 1986 https://arquivos.rtp.pt/conteudos/presidenciais-86-2a-volta-debate-mario-soares-vs-freitas-do-amaral-parte-i/ Presidenciais 86, 2ª Volta: Debate Mário Soares vs Freitas do Amaral – Parte I pt RTP Arquivos 27 January 2026 Endorsements +Endorsements from first-round candidates First-round candidate First round Endorsement Francisco Salgado Zenha 20.88%Mário SoaresPresidenciais 86 – Parte IX https://arquivos.rtp.pt/conteudos/presidenciais-86-parte-ix/ 2026-02-01 1986-01-26 RTP Arquivo pt Maria de Lourdes Pintasilgo 7.38%Against Freitas do AmaralWhile not endorsing officially Soares, Pintasilgo refused to vote for Freitas do Amaral.Presidenciais 86 – Parte VI https://arquivos.rtp.pt/conteudos/presidenciais-86-parte-vi/ 2026-01-31 1986-01-26 RTP Arquivo pt Party endorsements in the second round CandidatePartiesRef.Diogo Freitas do Amaral CDSPSDMário SoaresPSPCPMDP/CDE2026-01-24 Campanha Presidencial Mário Soares 1986 http://www.casacomum.org/cc/arquivos?set=e_19505 2026-01-31 Casa Comum ptPRDRamos Rui Tavares João Miguel Rádio Observador E o Resto é História: Portugal em 1985: O que foi o fenómeno PRD? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPaVbg0g_Gw youtube.com Observador pt video March 28, 2024 February 7, 2026 Opinion polls First round #EAFFEA Exit poll 1px solid #AAAAAA Polling firmFieldwork dateSamplesize1 Freitas do Amaral1 Mário Soares1 Salgado Zenha1 Lourdes Pintasilgo Oth OthersLead CDS PS Ind. Ind. Election results 26 Jan 1986 46.3 25.4 20.9 7.4 —20.9 Ministry of Justice 26 Jan 1986 46.8 25.1 21.1 7.0 — 21.7RTP 26 Jan 1986 43–46 24–27 18–21 9–12 — 19Norma30 Dec 1985–5 Jan 198680041.821.814.118.34.0Ângelo Veloso (PCP): 4.0%20.0ZAP28–29 Dec 198583042.317.723.316.719.0Euroexpansão27 Dec 1985–5 Jan 19862,237 42.521.515.021.021.0Norma19–23 Dec 198560731.212.110.822.423.28.8 Norma 23 Nov 1985 ? 38.7 8.3 16.3 22.8 13.9 15.9Marktest26–27 Oct 198543029172430Manuel Costa Brás (Ind.): 2%; Others/Undecided: 28%5Norma9–17 Oct 198560422.819.635.721.9Candidate supported by Eanes: 2.8%; Others/Undecided: 19.1%12.9 Norma 10–16 May 1985 598 33.4 12.9 24.1 29.7 9.3NormaApr 1985 ?13.625.560.9Alberto João Jardim (PSD): 13.0%; Mário Firmino Miguel (Ind.): 9.2%; Others/Undecided: 38.7%11.913.825.460.8Francisco Lucas Pires (CDS): 10.6%; Mário Firmino Miguel (Ind.): 10.5%; Adelino da Palma Carlos (Ind.): 3.6%; Others/Undecided: 36.1%11.6Marktest1–6 Feb 1985 ?118275416Norma14–21 Jan 1985 ?11.11.725.062.6Francisco Lucas Pires (CDS): 13.9%; Francisco Pinto Balsemão (PSD): 3.3%; Others/Undecided: 45.1%11.19.93.726.460.0Alberto João Jardim (PSD): 13.2%; Others/Undecided: 46.8%13.2Norma13–21 Dec 1984 ?16.526.856.7Alberto João Jardim (PSD): 13.2%; Álvaro Cunhal (PCP): 3.4%; Others/Undecided: 40.1%10.317.225.757.0Francisco Pinto Balsemão (PSD): 7.1%; Francisco Lucas Pires (CDS): 5.4%; Álvaro Cunhal (PCP): 3.9%; Others/Undecided: 40.6%8.5Marktest9–12 Nov 1984 ?13.023.663.410.6NormaNov 1984 ?12.422.565.1Alberto João Jardim (PSD): 15.2%; Álvaro Cunhal (PCP): 7.4%; Others/Undecided: 42.5%7.312.022.565.5Álvaro Cunhal (PCP): 7.7%; Francisco Lucas Pires (CDS): 7.2%; Francisco Pinto Balsemão (PSD): 4.2%; Others/Undecided: 39.2%10.5Euroexpansão19–25 Oct 19848169.414.62.621.551.9Alberto João Jardim (PSD): 6.8%; Francisco Lucas Pires (CDS): 6.6%; Carlos Mota Pinto (PSD): 6.0%; Francisco Pinto Balsemão (PSD): 4.2%; Carlos Brito (PCP): 2.9%; Others/Undecided: 25.4%6.9Norma4–15 Oct 1984 ?14.415.470.2Francisco Lucas Pires (CDS): 9.8%; Carlos Mota Pinto (PSD): 6.7%; Mário Firmino Miguel (Ind.): 4.6%; Alberto Franco Nogueira (Ind.): 2.2%; Manuel Costa Braz (Ind.): 1.5%; Others/Undecided: 45.7%1.0MarktestOct 1984 ?121312153João Bosco Mota Amaral (PSD): 9%; Mário Firmino Miguel (Ind.): 7%; Carlos Mota Pinto (PSD): 3%; Amadeu Garcia dos Santos (Ind.): 1%; Vasco Almeida e Costa (Ind.): 0%; Others/Undecided: 33%8MarktestSep 1984 ?101322055João Bosco Mota Amaral (PSD): 9%; Mário Firmino Miguel (Ind.): 5%; Carlos Mota Pinto (PSD): 3%; Amadeu Garcia dos Santos (Ind.): 1%; Vasco Almeida e Costa (Ind.): 0%; Others/Undecided: 39%7Norma27 Aug–3 Sep 19846058.218.073.8Francisco Lucas Pires (CDS): 6.2%; Carlos Mota Pinto (PSD): 5.4%; Mário Firmino Miguel (Ind.): 5.1%; Manuel Costa Braz (Ind.): 0.7%; Others/Undecided: 56.3%9.8MarktestAug 1984 ?111131956João Bosco Mota Amaral (PSD): 10%; Mário Firmino Miguel (Ind.): 4%; Carlos Mota Pinto (PSD): 2%; Amadeu Garcia dos Santos (Ind.): 1%; Vasco Almeida e Costa (Ind.): 0%; Others/Undecided: 38%8NormaJul 1984 ?10.322.367.4Mário Firmino Miguel (Ind.): 4.4%; Carlos Mota Pinto (PSD): 3.4%; Others/Undecided: 49.7%12.0MarktestJul 1984 ?131232349João Bosco Mota Amaral (PSD): 10%; Mário Firmino Miguel (Ind.): 4%; Carlos Mota Pinto (PSD): 1%; Amadeu Garcia dos Santos (Ind.): 1%; Vasco Almeida e Costa (Ind.): 0%; Others/Undecided: 32%10NormaJun 1984 ?12.422.065.6Carlos Mota Pinto (PSD): 8.7%; Mário Firmino Miguel (Ind.): 5.8%; Manuel Costa Braz (Ind.): 1.0%; Others/Undecided: 36.0%9.6Marktest8–15 Jun 1984 ?131122450João Bosco Mota Amaral (PSD): 11%; Mário Firmino Miguel (Ind.): 4%; Carlos Mota Pinto (PSD): 2%; Amadeu Garcia dos Santos (Ind.): 1%; Vasco Almeida e Costa (Ind.): 0%; Others/Undecided: 33%11NormaMay 1984 ?13.826.260.0Carlos Mota Pinto (PSD): 8.2%; Mário Firmino Miguel (Ind.): 1.3%; Others/Undecided: 34.0%12.4MarktestMar 1984 ?121020428Marktest4–7 Feb 1984 ?10.512.816.959.84.1Damião de GoisDec 1983–Feb 1984 ?13.812.622.251.48.4MarktestJan 1984 ?10.512.816.959.84.1 Second round #EAFFEA Exit poll 1px solid #AAAAAA Polling firmFieldwork dateSamplesizeFreitasSoaresLead CDS PS Election results 16 Feb 1986 48.851.22.4Ministry of Justice16 Feb 1986 48.751.32.6 RTP 16 Feb 1986 48–50 50–52 2Norma1 Feb 1986 ?52.647.45.2ZAP28–29 Dec 198583060.339.720.6Euroexpansão27 Dec 1985–5 Jan 19862,23758.841.217.6NormaNorma19–23 Dec 198560758.741.3 17.4 NormaNorma1 10–16 May 1985 598 66.7 33.3 33.4 NormaNorma2 Apr 1985 ? 50.9 49.1 1.8 background:#cff Hypothetical polling border:solid 1px silver; padding:8px; background:white; Polling firmDate conductedSamplesize1 Mário Soares1 Freitas do Amaral1 Salgado Zenha1 Lourdes Pintasilgo1 Alberto João Jardim1 Firmino Miguel1 Lucas Pires Oth Others/Und UndecidedLead PS CDS Ind. Ind. PSD Ind. CDSZAP28–29 Dec 1985830 54.445.6 8.8 55.1 44.9 10.2Euroexpansão27 Dec 1985–5 Jan 19862,23757.8 42.2 15.652.7 47.3 5.4 59.940.1 19.8 52.7 47.3 5.4 44.355.7 11.4Norma19–23 Dec 198560731.7 28.8 39.52.930.2 38.3 31.58.1 44.130.2 25.713.9 40.4 39.4 20.21.0 18.437.5 44.119.1Marktest26–27 Oct 19854303539264Norma9–17 Oct 198560426.744.329.017.627.148.624.321.5Norma10–16 May 198559831.631.736.70.141.233.625.27.6NormaApr 1985 ?21.131.047.99.923.223.653.20.421.217.861.03.4Euroexpansão19–25 Oct 198481634.023.642.410.427.931.840.33.9Marktest8–15 Jun 1984 ?3543228MarktestMar 1984 ?24453121 Results National summary Diogo Freitas do Amaral Democratic Social CenterAlso supported by the Social Democratic Party and the Christian Democratic Party. 2629597 2872064 Mário Soares Socialist Party 1443683 3010756 Francisco Salgado Zenha IndependentSupported by the Democratic Renewal Party, the Portuguese Communist Party and the Portuguese Democratic Movement. #216b31 1185867 Maria de Lourdes Pintasilgo IndependentSupported by the Popular Democratic Union. #613484 418961 46334 33844 18292 20436 7617257 7612633 Comissão Nacional de Eleições, First roundhttps://www.cne.pt/sites/default/files/dl/resultados_pr_1986_primeiravolta.pdf Mapa oficial. D.R. n.º 37, Série I de 1986-02-14 Diário da República 22 June 2025 14 February 1986 pt Second roundhttps://www.cne.pt/sites/default/files/dl/resultados_pr_1986_segundavolta.pdf Mapa oficial. D.R. n.º 55, Série I de 1983-05-26 Diário da República 22 June 2025 7 March 1986 pt Results by district First round District Freitas Soares Zenha Pintasilgo Turnout Votes % Votes % Votes % Votes %   Aveiro 200,008 57.00% 102,684 29.26% 30,868 8.80% 17,345 4.94% 76.06%   Azores 61,274 58.57% 32,841 26.23% 8,235 6.94% 4,586 3.87% 61.50%   Beja 22,648 21.30% 19,347 18.19% 58,233 54.76% 6,117 5.75% 71.58%   Braga 206,747 52.74% 112,263 28.64% 52,751 13.46% 20,218 5.16% 78.95%   Bragança 60,868 66.02% 22,972 24.92% 6,125 6.64% 2,234 2.42% 66.29%   Castelo Branco 72,295 53.00% 31,812 23.32% 24,671 18.09% 7,638 5.60% 72.77%   Coimbra 113,913 46.12% 78,894 32.23% 33,429 13.66% 19,570 7.99% 71.39%   Évora 31,613 27.71% 15,734 13.79% 60,061 52.65% 6,665 5.84% 78.88%   Faro 77,570 40.57% 51,410 26.89% 48,564 25.40% 13.644 7.14% 73.25%   Guarda 71,902 62.94% 29,625 25.93% 9,007 7.88% 3,704 3.24% 69.85%   Leiria 145,554 60.26% 55,653 23.04% 26,816 11.10% 13,525 5.60% 74.48%   Lisbon 512,158 39.91% 296,395 23.09% 338,470 26.37% 136,397 10.63% 78.45%   Madeira 74,688 62.96% 31,123 26.23% 8,235 6.94% 4,586 3.87% 69.34%   Portalegre 28,961 32.42% 22,024 24.66% 33,137 37.10% 5,196 5.82% 78.05%   Porto 413,407 45.17% 284,250 31.06% 152,919 16.71% 64,566 7.06% 79.05%   Santarém 117,657 43.10% 61,661 22.59% 68,133 24.96% 25,522 9.35% 75.99%   Setúbal 104,122 25.23% 72,116 17.47% 187,907 45.53% 48,600 11.77% 79.07%   Viana do Castelo 81,815 58.92% 32,869 23.64% 14,702 10.59% 9,506 6.85% 72.01%   Vila Real 84,459 63.73% 35,050 26.45% 9,362 7.06% 3,655 2.76% 68.59%   Viseu 147,519 66.20% 54,344 24.39% 14,378 6.45% 6,584 2.95% 70.18% Source: SGMAI Presidential Election Results Second round District Soares Freitas Turnout Votes % Votes %   Aveiro 152,472 41.21% 217,352 58.79% 79.95%   Azores 44,464 40.55% 65,177 59.45% 79.95%   Beja 82,278 75.98% 26,015 24.02% 72.76%   Braga 190,746 46.42% 220,150 53.58% 82.77%   Bragança 32,196 32.28% 67,531 67.72% 72.40%   Castelo Branco 65,986 45.66% 78,534 54.34% 76.37%   Coimbra 137,735 52.79% 123,192 47.21% 76.01%   Évora 79,552 69.49% 34,920 30.51% 79.37%   Faro 113,089 56.81% 85,961 43.19% 75.50%   Guarda 44,187 36.10% 78,217 63.90% 74.93%   Leiria 94,791 37.29% 159,401 62.71% 78.16%   Lisbon 736,144 56.74% 561,189 43.26% 79.26%   Madeira 47,776 37.31% 80,290 62.69% 74.22%   Portalegre 59,550 65.25% 31,712 34.75% 79.68%   Porto 510,335 53.53% 443,050 46.47% 82.24%   Santarém 153,084 54.33% 128,675 45.67% 77.95%   Setúbal 289,199 70.88% 118,790 29.12% 78.44%   Viana do Castelo 56,176 38.41% 90,094 61.59% 75.33%   Vila Real 49,210 34.72% 92,505 65.28% 73.05%   Viseu 76,380 32.07% 161,793 67.93% 75.15% Source: SGMAI Presidential Election Results Maps Notes Norma Results presented here exclude undecideds (31.2%). With their inclusion results are: Freitas do Amaral: 40.4%; Mário Soares: 28.4%; Norma1 Results presented here exclude undecideds (37.0%). With their inclusion results are: Freitas do Amaral: 42.0%; Mário Soares: 21.0%; Norma2 Results presented here exclude undecideds (54.2%). With their inclusion results are: Freitas do Amaral: 23.3%; Mário Soares: 22.5%; References CNE Resultados http://eleicoes.cne.pt/cne2005/sel_eleicoes.cfm?m=raster#assemb Comissão Nacional de Eleições 17 May 2005 8 April 2005 https://web.archive.org/web/20050408212102/http://eleicoes.cne.pt/cne2005/sel_eleicoes.cfm?m=raster#assemb dead Centro de Estudos do Pensamento Político http://www.iscsp.utl.pt/~cepp/abertura.php 17 May 2005 https://web.archive.org/web/20060818153627/http://www.iscsp.utl.pt/~cepp/abertura.php 2006-08-18 dead External links Portuguese Electoral Commission Category:Presidential elections in Portugal Presidential Portugal Portugal