1991 Portuguese presidential election

none Portugal presidential 1986 Portuguese presidential election 1986 1996 Portuguese presidential election 1996 13 January 1991 62.16% ( 13.23pp) Medalha de Galiza 1993 - 5.jpg 235 110 150 8 62 Mário Soares PS 90% Supported by: off PSD 3,459,521 70.35% Basilio Horta na Exponor.jpg 145 110 150 4 20 Basílio Horta CDS 90% Supported by: off PPM 696,379 14.16% EP President meets with the Secretary General of the Portuguese Communist Party (cropped).jpg 130 110 150 5 10 Carlos Carvalhas PCP 90% Supported by: off PEV 635,373 12.92% 220px Results by district 220px Results by municipality 1 230px Soares #FFAACC 40-50% #FF80B2 50-60% #FF5599 60-70% #FF2A7F 70-80% #f30765ff 80-90% Carvalhas #cc5e5d 40-50% #c64c4b 50-60% President Mário Soares Socialist Party (Portugal) Mário Soares Socialist Party (Portugal) A presidential election was held in Portugal on 13 January 1991. Incumbent president Mário Soares was eliglbe to run for a second consecutive term, and was a candidate for re-election.1990-06-10 Soares anuncia recandidatura a Belém https://arquivos.rtp.pt/conteudos/soares-anuncia-recandidatura-a-belem/ RTP Arquivos 2026-08-28 pt-PT Soares was easily re-elected as head of state, achieving more than 70% of the votes, the highest percentage of votes ever recorded for a presidential candidate in Portuguese democracy.2026-01-18 Presidenciais. Mário Soares foi o presidente eleito com maior percentagem de votos desde 1976 https://observador.pt/2026/01/18/presidenciais-mario-soares-foi-o-presidente-eleito-com-maior-percentagem-de-votos-desde-1976/ Observador 2026-08-28 pt-PT Mário Soares gained a majority of the votes in every district of the country, and in 295 out of the then 305 municipalities. As the election of a center-left candidate was assured, other left-wing parties, the Portuguese Communist Party and the People's Democratic Union, presented their own candidates. The communists presented Carlos Carvalhas, who had been Assistant General Secretary of the Party a year before (Álvaro Cunhal was the secretary-general), which polled third with 13% of the votes. Carvalhas would later be elected secretary-general of the party in 1992. Mário Soares achieved the majority of the votes in every district of the country, and 295 of the then 305 municipalities. On the right, the Social Democratic Party supported Soares, while the Democratic and Social Centre supported the candidacy of Basílio Horta, who finished second with 14% of the votes. Voter turnout had a significant drop compared with the previous election, with 62% of voters casting a ballot. Soares was sworn in for a second term as President on 9 March 1991.1991-03-09 Dia da tomada de posse de Mário Soares https://arquivos.rtp.pt/conteudos/dia-da-tomada-de-posse-de-mario-soares/ RTP Arquivos 2026-02-18 pt-PT Background Mário Soares was elected president, on the second round in February 1986, with 51% of the votes.2026-01-14 Mário Soares e Freitas do Amaral: as históricas presidenciais de há 40 anos (1986) https://expresso.pt/podcasts/a-historia-repete-se/2026-01-14-mario-soares-e-freitas-do-amaral-as-historicas-presidenciais-de-ha-40-anos--1986--85bb030a Expresso 2026-08-26 pt-PT Soares' first term was marked by the calm cohabitation with PSD prime minister Aníbal Cavaco Silva, with Soares rejecting an alternative PS-PCP-PRD government after the approval of a motion of no confidence against Cavaco's minority government in April 1987,2015-10-15 Como Soares e Sampaio chumbaram governos maioritários sem o partido mais votado https://www.sabado.pt/portugal/detalhe/como-soares-e-sampaio-chumbaram-governos-maioritarios-sem-o-partido-mais-votado Sábado 2026-08-26 pt-PT and calling an election that would result in a landslide absolute majority for the PSD.2007-04-07 1987 – Maioria Absoluta do PSD https://arquivos.rtp.pt/conteudos/1987-maioria-absoluta-do-psd/ RTP 2026-08-26 pt-PT Major economic and constitutional reforms, along with modernization driven by the arrival of European funds, and strong economic growth, also characterized Soares' first term as head of state.1988: o ano ‘zero’ das privatizações https://expresso.pt/economia/2023-04-27-1988-o-ano-zero-das-privatizacoes-64895169 2026-08-26 2023-04-29 Expresso pt6. As revisões constitucionais (1982-2005) https://50anos25abril.pt/historia/50-anos-da-constituicao-da-republica-portuguesa-1976-2026/6-as-revisoes-constitucionais-1982-2005-mudanca-adaptacao-e-continuidade-democratica/ 2026-08-26 50 Anos do 25 de Abril pt Pre-campaign In the follow-up for the presidential election, divisions on the right-wing emerged, mainly in the Democratic and Social Center (CDS), regarding a candidate to face Soares. Former party leader Francisco Lucas Pires considered a run, but withdrew during the summer of 1990 due to lack of support and Soares' strong popularity, while others, namely party leader and 1986 candidate, Diogo Freitas do Amaral, rejected a "rematch" against Soares. In the end, the party gave its support to the candidacy of Basílio Horta.CDS apoia Basílio Horta https://arquivos.rtp.pt/conteudos/cds-apoia-basilio-horta/ 2026-08-28 1990-10-20 RTP pt On the Social Democrats (PSD), the issue of the presidential elections was not seen as very important, despite Madeiran president Alberto João Jardim proposing that the party abstained from supporting any candidate, being quite critical of Soares and with some even considering his name as a possible candidate. Former president António Ramalho Eanes, another strong critic of president Soares, also rejected any idea of running again for office, especially after leading his party, the Democratic Renewal Party (PRD), to a massive defeat in the 1987 legislative election.Os Presidentes https://www.publico.pt/2006/01/19/jornal/os-presidentes-59064 2026-08-28 2006-01-19 Público 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, to be elected, a candidate needs a majority of votes. If no candidate gets this majority there will take place a second round between the two most voted candidates. Candidates Official candidates CandidateParty supportPolitical office(s)DetailsMário Soares (66)117x117pxSocialist Party (Portugal) silver Socialist PartySocial Democratic Party (Portugal) silver Social Democratic PartyPresident of the Republic (1986–1996)Prime 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)Incumbent President, after winning the 1986 presidential election in the second round with 51.2% of the votes; eligible for a second term.Basílio Horta (47)107x107pxCDS – People's Party silver Democratic and Social CenterPeople's Monarchist Party (Portugal) silver People's Monarchist PartyMember of the Assembly of the Republic (1976–1991)Minister of Agriculture (1981–1983)Minister in the Cabinet of the Prime Minister (1981)Minister of Commerce and Tourism (1978; 1980–1981)Democratic and Social Center (CDS) member; CDS Secretary-general.Carlos Carvalhas (49)107x107pxPortuguese Communist Party silver Portuguese Communist PartyEcologist Party "The Greens" silver Ecologist Party "The Greens"Deputy Secretary-general of the Portuguese Communist Party (1990–1992)Member of the Assembly of the Republic (1976–1980; 1983–2005)Member of the European Parliament (1989–1990)Secretary of State for Labour (1974–1975)Portuguese Communist Party (PCP) member; syndicalist.Carlos Manuel Marques (42)Popular Democratic Union (Portugal) silver Popular Democratic UnionNonePopular Democratic Union (UDP) founding member; engineer. Decided not to run Adriano Moreira – former President of the Democratic and Social Centre (1986–1988);1990-09-22 Candidatos para as Presidenciais de 1991 https://arquivos.rtp.pt/conteudos/candidatos-para-as-presidenciais-de-1991/ 2025-12-27 RTP Arquivos pt-PT Alberto João Jardim – incumbent President of the Regional Government of Madeira (1976–2015);1990-09-10 Candidatos às Presidenciais 1991 https://arquivos.rtp.pt/conteudos/candidatos-as-presidenciais-1991/ 2025-12-27 RTP Arquivos pt-PT António Ramalho Eanes – former President of the Republic (1976–1986); former President of the Democratic Renewal Party (1986–1988); Diogo Freitas do Amaral – incumbent President of the Democratic and Social Centre (1988–1992; 1974–1983); candidate in the previous presidential election; Francisco Lucas Pires – former President of the Democratic and Social Centre (1983–1986);7 September 1990 Lucas Pires anuncia desistência da candidatura à Presidência https://arquivos.rtp.pt/conteudos/lucas-pires-anuncia-desistencia-da-candidatura-a-presidencia/ 26 May 2020 RTP pt Hermínio Martinho – former President of the Democratic Renewal Party (1985–1986; 1988–1990); Nuno Krus Abecasis – former Mayor of Lisbon (1979–1989). Campaign period Issues With forecasts suggesting an easy reelection for Soares, plus with Prime Minister Cavaco Silva's endorsement of the incumbent President's bid, the campaign was mostly stirred by the Macau Fax case.https://rr.pt/noticia/presidenciais-2016/2016/01/15/bau-das-presidenciais-quando-cavaco-apoiou-soares/44337/ Baú das Presidenciais. Quando Cavaco apoiou Soares pt Renascença 15 January 2016 28 June 2026https://arquivos.rtp.pt/conteudos/caso-do-fax-de-macau-3/ Caso do “Fax de Macau” pt RTP 4 January 1991 28 June 2026 The case involved the then-governor of Macau, Carlos Melancia, a close friend of Mário Soares, who was accused of corruption and of receiving bribes to benefit a company in the construction of the territory's new airport, with copies of the faxes from the proceedings being leaked to the press.https://sol.iol.pt/2017/01/07/macau-o-maior-embaraco-da-vida-politica-de-soares Macau, o maior embaraço da vida política de Soares pt SOL 7 January 2017 28 June 2026 During a debate on RTP1, CDS candidate Basílio Horta used the case to attack Soares' integrity and accuse him of being involved, while Soares vehemently denied any involvement.https://arquivos.rtp.pt/conteudos/presidenciais-91-debate-entre-basilio-horta-e-mario-soares-parte-i/ Presidenciais 91: Debate entre Basílio Horta e Mário Soares – Parte I pt RTP 6 December 1990 28 June 2026 Party slogans Candidate Original slogan English translation Refs Mário Soares « Soares é fixe » "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 Basílio Horta « Um Homem às direitas » "An upright man" Carlos Carvalhas « Portugal pode ser melhor » "Portugal can be better" https://acervo.publico.pt/multimedia/infografia/os-cartazes-das-eleicoes-presidenciais-desde-1976-182 Os cartazes das eleições presidenciais desde 1976 pt Público 12 May 2020 Carlos Manuel Marques « A coragem de ser solidário » "The courage to be supportive" 6 May 1990 https://arquivos.rtp.pt/conteudos/candidatura-de-carlos-marques-a-presidencia-da-republica/ Candidatura de Carlos Marques à Presidência da República pt RTP 26 May 2020 Candidates' debates 1991 Portuguese presidential election debates Date Organisers Moderator(s)    black #D0FFD0  P  Present   black #ffffdd  A  Absent invitee black #FFD0D0  N  Non-invitee  Soares Horta Carvalhas Marques Refs 21 Nov 1990 RTP1 Vicente Jorge SilvaMaria Elisa DominguesPAPP 21 November 1990 https://arquivos.rtp.pt/conteudos/debate-entre-os-candidatos-a-presidencia-da-republica Debate entre os candidatos à Presidência da República pt RTP 26 May 2020 4 Dec 1990 RTP1 -NNPP http://acomarcadearganil.cm-arganil.pt/#9604/9 Página Principal 6 Dec 1990 RTP1 Mário CrespoPPNN http://comunicar-politica.blogs.sapo.pt/7538.html Os debates 11 Dec 1990 RTP1 -PNPN 13 Dec 1990 RTP1 -NPNP 19 Dec 1990 RTP1 -PNNP 20 Dec 1990 RTP1 -NPPN 21 Dec 1990 RTP2 Joaquim FurtadoPPPPhttp://acomarcadearganil.cm-arganil.pt/#9614/11 Página Principal Opinion polls #EAFFEA Exit poll 1px solid #AAAAAA Polling firmFieldwork dateSamplesize1 Mário Soares1 Basílio Horta1 Carlos Carvalhas1 Carlos MarquesOth Others/Und UndecidedLead PS CDS PCP UDP Election results 13 Jan 1991 70.4 14.2 12.9 2.6 56.2 Euroexpansão 13 Jan 1991 69.5–73.4 14.1–17.2 9.3–12.6 1.6–2.9 55.8 Euroexpansão5–6 Jan 1991 63460.0 12.4 9.0 2.2 16.447.6 Results National summary Mário Soares Socialist PartyAlso supported tacitly by the Social Democratic Party. 3459521 Basílio Horta Democratic Social CenterAlso supported by the People's Monarchist Party. 696379 Carlos Carvalhas Portuguese Communist PartyAlso supported by the Ecologist Party "The Greens". 635373 Carlos Manuel Marques pt Carlos Manuel Marques da Silva Popular Democratic Union (Portugal) Popular Democratic Union 126581 112877 68037 8202212 Comissão Nacional de Eleições Results by district District Soares Horta Carvalhas Marques Turnout Votes % Votes % Votes % Votes %   Aveiro 250,336 77.27% 49,675 15.33% 17,894 5.52% 6,065 1.87% 64.36%   Azores 75,530 80.66% 12,192 13.02% 3,652 3.49% 6,685 6.39% 51.79%   Beja 48,694 54.06% 5,293 5.88% 33,796 37.52% 2,294 2.55% 60.34%   Braga 287,287 77.49% 50,991 13.75% 26,230 7.08% 6,210 1.68% 66.41%   Bragança 51,571 67.48% 19,373 25.35% 3,869 5.06% 1,615 2.11% 53.18%   Castelo Branco 82,470 71.63% 18,627 16.18% 10,593 9.20% 3,443 2.99% 60.29%   Coimbra 166,041 76.86% 26,416 12.23% 19,084 8.83% 4,498 2.08% 61.08%   Évora 50,805 53.99% 7,710 8.19% 33,313 35.40% 2,281 2.42% 64.94%   Faro 123,550 72.40% 21,332 12.50% 20,481 12.00% 5,280 3.09% 60.92%   Guarda 69,632 71.33% 19,874 20.36% 5,815 5.96% 2,293 2.35% 58.23%   Leiria 150,993 72.41% 38,014 18.23% 14,969 7.18% 4,535 2.17% 60.93%   Lisbon 675,760 64.89% 156,424 15.02% 177,275 17.02% 31,860 3.06% 61.73%   Madeira 70,632 67.22% 23,981 22.91% 3,652 3.49% 6,685 6.39% 57.98%   Portalegre 48,170 64.25% 7,693 10.26% 17,271 23.03% 1,844 2.46% 66.26%   Porto 627,195 76.50% 101,665 12.40% 75,517 9.21% 15,536 1.89% 65.39%   Santarém 161,301 68.96% 30,938 13.23% 34,996 14.96% 6,662 2.85% 63.33%   Setúbal 198,977 55.83% 29,955 8.40% 113,232 31.77% 14,248 4.00% 62.93%   Viana do Castelo 92,312 75.26% 18,397 15.00% 9,263 7.55% 2,693 2.20% 59.35%   Vila Real 84,358 75.05% 20,139 17.92% 5,738 5.10% 2,174 1.93% 54.63%   Viseu 145,010 75.41% 33,945 17.65% 9,869 5.13% 3,480 1.81% 57.96% Source: SGMAI Presidential Election Results Maps Notes 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 NSD: European Election Database - Portugal https://web.archive.org/web/20141220144604/http://www.nsd.uib.no/european_election_database/country/portugal/ 2014-12-20 publishes regional level election data; allows for comparisons of election results, 1990–2010 Presidential Category:Presidential elections in Portugal Portugal