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

Quick Facts 24 seats to the European Parliament, Turnout ...

1989 European Parliament election in Portugal

← 1987 18 June 1989 1994 →
24 seats to the European Parliament
Turnout	51.1% 21.3 pp
First party Second party   PSD Leader António Capucho João Cravinho Party PSD PS Alliance ALDE PES Last election 10 seats 6 seats Seats won 9 8 Seat change 1 2 Popular vote 1,358,958 1,184,380 Percentage 32.8% 28.5% Swing 4.7 pp 6.3 pp   Third party Fourth party   CDS Leader Carlos Carvalhas Francisco Lucas Pires Party CDU CDS Alliance COM EPP Last election 3 seats 4 seats Seats won 4 3 Seat change 1 1 Popular vote 597,759 587,497 Percentage 14.4% 14.2% Swing 2.9 pp 1.3 pp

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The Social Democratic Party (PSD) won the elections with almost 33% of the votes, but lost much 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%. 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%, compared with the 22% in 1987. They also gained 2 MEP, while the PSD lost one.

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

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

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.

The major parties that partook in the election, and their EP list leaders, were:^[1]

• 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

• Politics of Portugal
• List of political parties in Portugal
• Elections in Portugal
• European Parliament