1996 Portuguese presidential election

none Portugal presidential 1991 Portuguese presidential election 1991 2001 Portuguese presidential election 2001 14 January 1996 66.29% ( 4.13pp) Jorge Sampaio.jpg 130 110 150 14 11 Jorge Sampaio PS 90% Supported by: off PCP PEV UDP PCTP/MRPP 3,035,056 53.91% Aníbal Cavaco Silva (cropped).jpg 122 110 150 0 5 Aníbal Cavaco Silva Social Democratic Party (Portugal) 2,595,131 46.09% 220px Results by district 220px Results by municipality Sampaio #FF80B2 50-60% #FF5599 60-70% #FF2A7F 70-80% #f30765ff 80-90% Cavaco Silva #FFB380 50-60% #FF9955 60-70% #fb8537ff 70-80% #f66614ff 80-90% President Mário Soares Socialist Party (Portugal) Jorge Sampaio Socialist Party (Portugal) A presidential election was held in Portugal on 14 January 1996. Incumbent president Mário Soares was constitutionally barred from a third consecutive term. The Social Democrats were coming from a clear defeat in the 1995 Portuguese legislative election, and their former leader, Aníbal Cavaco Silva, who had left the office of Prime Minister after 10 years at the helm, ran against the Mayor of Lisbon, Jorge Sampaio. This was a rematch of the 1991 legislative election, where Cavaco Silva defeated Jorge Sampaio by a 51 to 29 percent margin. The other left-wing candidates, Jerónimo de Sousa and Alberto Matos, presented by the Portuguese Communist Party and the People's Democratic Union respectively, both withdrew from the race one week before the elections, announcing their support for Jorge Sampaio, in order to concentrate the left-wing vote and avoid a runoff.https://arquivos.rtp.pt/conteudos/jeronimo-de-sousa-desiste-da-candidatura/ Jerónimo de Sousa desiste da candidatura pt RTP 8 January 1996 15 January 2025 These parties had already supported Sampaio in a coalition that won the local elections in Lisbon. It would be the last time that People's Democratic Union presented a candidate, as two years later it merged with other small left-wing parties and formed the Left Bloc. Cavaco Silva was supported by the Social Democratic Party, failing to get the support of the People's Party, led by Manuel Monteiro.Lourenço Eunice 2004-03-08 Como Paulo Portas apoiou Cavaco em 1996 https://www.publico.pt/2004/03/08/jornal/como-paulo-portas-apoiou-cavaco-em-1996-185207 2025-06-19 PÚBLICO pt On election day, Sampaio won with nearly 54 percent of the votes and by a more than 400,000 vote margin over Cavaco Silva, which gathered just over 46 percent of the votes and, once more, the right-wing parties did not win the presidential election. Sampaio gained the majority of the votes in all the districts in the South of Portugal, including the Communist strongholds in Alentejo and Setúbal district. Cavaco won in the more conservative districts of the North (excluding Porto district, where Sampaio edged out Cavaco by a narrow 52 to 48 percent margin) and also in Leiria district, traditional strongholds of the right-wing parties. Voter turnout increased to 66% of registered voters compared to the previous presidential election, although it stood basically at the same level as the 1995 legislative election, held just three months earlier. Sampaio was sworn in as President on 9 March 1996.1996-03-09 Jorge Sampaio toma posse como Presidente da República https://arquivos.rtp.pt/conteudos/jorge-sampaio-toma-posse-como-presidente-da-republica/ 2026-02-18 RTP Arquivos pt Aníbal Cavaco Silva would have to wait ten more years to be elected president in 2006. Background Mário Soares was re-elected by a landslide with 70% of the votes in January 1991.2026-01-18 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/ 2026-08-26 Observador pt In contrast to his first term, Soares' second term revealed a very tense relationship with prime minister Aníbal Cavaco Silva of the PSD.2017-01-07 Soares, uma vida (parte 5): o Presidente popular que irritava os governantes https://expresso.pt/politica/2017-01-07-Soares-uma-vida--parte-5--o-Presidente-popular-que-irritava-os-governantes 2026-08-26 Expresso pt Soares' "open presidencies", where he would visit areas across the country to listen to citizens concerns and learn about their problems, were used by the President to criticize Cavaco's government,2005-10-20 Os anos de co-habitação pouco pacífica de Soares e Cavaco https://www.rtp.pt/noticias/pais/os-anos-de-co-habitacao-pouco-pacifica-de-soares-e-cavaco_n19157 2026-08-26 RTP pt adding to this press leaks, in which the presidency appeared to be undermining the government.2016-01-09 Quando Soares dissolveu Cavaco à mesa do Aviz https://expresso.pt/presidenciais2016/2016-01-09-Quando-Soares-dissolveu-Cavaco-a-mesa-do-Aviz 2026-08-26 Expresso pt Pre-campaign In the follow-up for the presidential election, Lisbon mayor and former PS leader Jorge Sampaio launched his campaign early on, in February 1995,1995-02-07 Jorge Sampaio candidato à Presidência da República https://arquivos.rtp.pt/conteudos/jorge-sampaio-candidato-a-presidencia-da-republica/ 2026-08-26 RTP pt an announcement that surprised and constrained then party leader António Guterres, with President Soares also having reservations about Sampaio, although both would later strongly support him. Former president António Ramalho Eanes was rumored to be considering a run, which he ultimately dismissed, while in the PSD, although some considered the possibility of running, such as former prime minister Francisco Pinto Balsemão,2021-09-02 Presidenciais de 1996, a última "tentação" de Pinto Balsemão https://www.rtp.pt/noticias/cultura/presidenciais-de-1996-a-ultima-tentacao-de-pinto-balsemao_n1346103 2026-08-28 RTP pt being even "sounded out" by the Socialist Party in view of Guterres' initial reluctance to support Sampaio,2021-09-04 As memórias de Balsemão, o político que escolheu o jornalismo https://rr.pt/especial/politica/2021/09/04/as-memorias-de-balsemao-o-politico-que-escolheu-o-jornalismo/251973/ 2026-08-28 Renascença pt the candidacy of prime minister Cavaco Silva was always strongly speculated upon, with himself entertaining the idea,2014-03-08 Cavaco, 36 anos depois https://expresso.pt/blogues/blogue_chamem_me_o_que_quiserem/2016-03-08-Cavaco-36-anos-depois 2026-08-26 Expresso pt and being made official a few days after the 1995 legislative election.1995-10-10 Anúncio de candidatura presidencial de Cavaco Silva https://arquivos.rtp.pt/conteudos/anuncio-de-candidatura-presidencial-de-cavaco-silva/ 2026-08-26 RTP 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)DetailsJorge Sampaio (56)Medalha de Galiza 1996 - b2.jpg 350 80 120 15 55 centerSocialist Party (Portugal) silver Socialist PartyPortuguese Communist Party silver Portuguese Communist PartyEcologist Party "The Greens" silver Ecologist Party "The Greens"Popular Democratic Union (Portugal) silver Popular Democratic UnionPortuguese Workers' Communist Party silver Portuguese Workers' Communist PartyMayor of Lisbon (1989–1995)Secretary-general of the Socialist Party (1989–1992)Member of the Assembly of the Republic (1976–1983; 1985–1995)Socialist Party (PS) member; lawyer.Aníbal Cavaco Silva (56)25. Internationales Management-Gespräch-Portugiesischer Premierminister Anibal Cavaco Silva-HSGN 028-01023.jpg 130 80 120 22 22 centerSocial Democratic Party (Portugal) silver Social Democratic PartyPrime Minister (1985–1995)President of the Social Democratic Party (1985–1995)Minister of Finance (1980–1981)Social Democratic Party (PSD) member; economist. Withdrew candidacy CandidateParty supportPolitical office(s)DetailsJerónimo de Sousa (48)Jerónimo de Sousa 2007 (cropped).jpg 100 80 120 10 10 centerPortuguese Communist Party silver Portuguese Communist PartyEcologist Party "The Greens" silver Ecologist Party "The Greens"Member of the Assembly of the Republic (1976–2022)Portuguese Communist Party (PCP) member; withrew in favour of Jorge Sampaio.Alberto Matos (44)Inauguração da sede do Bloco em Beja, Abr.2025 (54471922615).jpg 300 80 120 20 110 centerPopular Democratic Union (Portugal) silver Popular Democratic UnionMember of the Almada Municipal Assembly (1993–1997)Member of the Beja Municipal Assembly (1980–1982)Popular Democratic Union (UDP) member; withrew in favour of Jorge Sampaio. Did not run António Ramalho Eanes – former President of the Republic (1976–1986)1994-03-02 Candidatura de Sottomayor Cardia https://arquivos.rtp.pt/conteudos/candidatura-de-sottomayor-cardia/ 2025-12-27 RTP Arquivos pt-PT1994-10-29 Ramalho Eanes almoça com grupo de trabalho https://arquivos.rtp.pt/conteudos/ramalho-eanes-almoca-com-grupo-de-trabalho/ 2025-12-27 RTP Arquivos pt-PT Francisco Pinto Balsemão – former Prime Minister (1981–1983) and PSD leader (1980–1983) Fernando Gomes – incumbent Mayor of Porto (1989–1998)Lusa 2017-03-14 Sampaio revela que Guterres ficou "à rasca" com anúncio da candidatura a Belém https://www.publico.pt/2017/03/14/politica/noticia/sampaio-revela-que-guterres-ficou-a-rasca-com-anuncio-da-candidatura-a-belem-1765139 2025-12-27 PÚBLICO pt Mário Sottomayor Cardia – former Minister of Education (1976–1978) Campaign period Issues The campaign was heavily marked by the personality clash between Cavaco Silva and Jorge Sampaio.https://www.rtp.pt/noticias/politica/sampaio-e-o-discurso-do-dialogo-e-da-estabilidade_n1706493 Sampaio e o discurso do diálogo e da estabilidade pt RTP 29 December 2025 9 July 2026https://arquivos.rtp.pt/conteudos/candidatos-a-presidencia-da-republica-parte-i/ Presidenciais 96: Debate com todos os candidatos – Parte I pt RTP 14 December 1995 9 July 2026 Cavaco Silva warned of the dangers of a concentration of power under the same party, the Socialists, while Jorge Sampaio campaigned on the principle of dialogue and stability. The personal attacks were quite intense, with Cavaco's supporters criticizing Sampaio's left-wing past, and his marital history also came to light, although the former prime minister's campaign denied any involvement in this matter. Religion was also a central theme of the campaign, with Cavaco and his campaign emphasizing the importance of Catholicism and family in Portugal, while Sampaio accused his opponent of trying to divide the Portuguese people. Party slogans Candidate Original slogan English translation Refs Jorge Sampaio « Um por todos » "One for all" 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 Aníbal Cavaco Silva « Em nome de Portugal » "In the name of Portugal" Jerónimo de SousaWithdrew in favour of Jorge Sampaio « Contigo isto muda » "With you this changes" Alberto MatosWithdrew in favour of Jorge Sampaio « A escolha de um lado » "Choosing a side" Candidates' debates 1996 Portuguese presidential election debates Date Organisers Moderator(s)    black #D0FFD0  P  Present   black #ffffdd  A  Absent invitee black #FFD0D0  N  Non-invitee  Sampaio Cavaco Jerónimo Refs 14 Dec 1995 RTP1 Maria Elisa DominguesJosé Eduardo MonizPPP 14 December 1995 https://arquivos.rtp.pt/conteudos/candidatos-a-presidencia-da-republica-parte-i/ Candidatos à Presidência da República – Parte I pt RTP 12 May 2020 21 Dec 1995 SIC Margarida MaranteMiguel Sousa TavaresPPN http://comunicar-politica.blogs.sapo.pt/7538.html Os debates pt 12 May 2020 Opinion polls Note, until 2000, the publication of opinion polls in the last week of the campaign was forbidden.5 February 2000 https://www.publico.pt/2000/02/05/jornal/sondagens-ate-as-urnas-139622 Sondagens até às urnas pt Público 16 August 2026 #EAFFEA Exit poll 1px solid #AAAAAA Polling firmDate releasedSamplesizeSampaioCavaco Oth Others/Und UndecidedLead PS PSD Election results 14 Jan 1996 53.9 46.1 7.8 Euroteste 14 Jan 1996 56–60 40–44 16 Metris 14 Jan 1996 56.8–61.2 38.8–43.2 18.0 UCP 14 Jan 1996 54.6–58.2 41.8–45.6 12.8 UCP 6 Jan 1996 52.1 47.9 4.2 Metris 6 Jan 1996 57.1 42.9 14.2 Euroteste 6 Jan 1996 57.5 42.5 15.0 Euroexpansão 6 Jan 1996 57.7 42.3 15.4 Independente 5 Jan 1996 56.7 43.3 13.4 Visão 4 Jan 1996 51.2 38.1 10.7 13.1 Euroteste 1 Jan 1996 58.7 41.3 17.4 Jornal de Notícias 1 Jan 1996 50.7 42.6 6.7 8.1 Metris 30 Dec 1995 56.4 41.7 1.9 14.7 Euroexpansão 30 Dec 1995 58.8 40.0 1.2 18.8 Independente 29 Dec 1995 58.3 41.7 16.6 Euroexpansão 23 Dec 1995 60.0 36.5 3.5 23.5 Independente 22 Dec 1995 56.8 43.2 13.6 UCP 21 Dec 1995 54.1 43.7 2.2 10.4 Metris 15 Dec 1995 53.8 42.6 3.6 11.2Euroexpansão1995-11-25 Cavaco não consegue recuperar terreno Expresso 125 Nov 1995 473914Jerónimo de Sousa (PCP): 3%8Euroexpansão11 Nov 1995548463816Jerónimo de Sousa (PCP): 2%8Euroexpansão1995-10-28 Voto partidário domina presidenciais Expresso 128 Oct 1995 48381410Euroexpansão1995-10-07 Cavaco e Eanes vencidos na 2.ª volta Expresso 97 Oct 1995 4739148 TVI/Público/RenascençaRicardo Loureiro TVI - TVI Jornal - 20-06-1995 INC https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUFxsgP7ME0 youtube.com Ricardo Loureiro pt video January 11, 2026 July 27, 2026 20 Jun 1995 51.346.62.14.7 background:#cff Hypothetical polling border:solid 1px silver; padding:8px; background:white; Other candidates First round Polling firmDate released1 Jorge Sampaio1 Cavaco Silva1 Freitas do Amaral1 Ramalho Eanes Oth Others/Und UndecidedLead PS PSD CDS Ind. TVI/Público/Renascença 20 Jun 199525.625.35.58.035.60.3 Second round Polling firmDate released1 Jorge Sampaio1 Cavaco Silva1 Pinto Balsemão1 Durão Barroso1 Ramalho Eanes Oth Others/Und UndecidedLead PS PSD PSD PSD Ind.Euroexpansão7 Oct 1995572617315233151957241933 TVI/Público/Renascença20 Jun 199566.428.94.737.556.238.94.937.5 Center-right preferred candidate Polling firmDate released1 Cavaco Silva1 Ramalho Eanes1 Pinto Balsemão1 Durão Barroso1 João Deus Pinheiro1 Fernando Nogueira1 Eurico de Melo1 Alberto J. Jardim1 Mota Amaral1 Rocha Vieira Oth Others/Und UndecidedLead PSD Ind. PSD PSD PSD PSD PSD PSD PSD PSDEuroexpansão7 Oct 199551.014.06.45.63.32.82.10.70.40.013.737.0 Results National summary Jorge Sampaio Socialist PartyAlso supported by the Portuguese Communist Party, the Ecologist Party "The Greens", the Popular Democratic Union and the Portuguese Workers' Communist Party. 3035056 Aníbal Cavaco Silva Social Democratic Party 2595131 69328 63463 8693636 Comissão Nacional de Eleições Results by district District Sampaio Cavaco Turnout Votes % Votes %   Aveiro 162,495 43.04% 215,046 56.96% 69.01%   Azores 40,746 43.60% 52,715 56.40% 50.81%   Beja 71,833 79.15% 18,926 20.85% 61.31%   Braga 204,069 45.79% 241,580 54.21% 71.55%   Bragança 34,358 40.17% 51,173 59.83% 57.42%   Castelo Branco 69,136 55.50% 55,428 44.50% 63.13%   Coimbra 133,644 54.37% 112,181 45.63% 65.90%   Évora 72,369 73.32% 26,398 26.68% 67.16%   Faro 110,748 58.45% 78,736 41.55% 63.09%   Guarda 45,820 44.00% 58,306 56.00% 60.75%   Leiria 98,577 40.41% 145,352 59.59% 66.95%   Lisbon 740,987 60.98% 474,060 39.02% 66.75%   Madeira 49,243 39.58% 75,160 60.42% 62.99%   Portalegre 52,647 69.38% 23,231 30.62% 66.84%   Porto 500,903 51.82% 465,803 48.18% 70.28%   Santarém 149,119 57.50% 110,202 42.50% 67.25%   Setúbal 313,083 74.51% 107,080 25.49% 67.36%   Viana do Castelo 58,621 41.57% 82,411 58.43% 64.34%   Vila Real 51,087 39.64% 77,779 60.36% 59.10%   Viseu 78,996 36.97% 134,669 63.03% 61.63% Source: SGMAI Presidential Election Results Maps Notes lower-alpha 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 President Category:Presidential elections in Portugal Portugal