[2] In 1981, after just two years as premier, Angus MacLean resigned his position after the election of James Lee to the Progressive Conservative leadership.

In the same year, the Liberals selected future premier Joe Ghiz as their leader.

This election also marked the lowest point in popular support for the New Democrats on PEI, who were led by an interim leader.

The Legislature of Prince Edward Island had two levels of membership from 1893 to 1996 - Assemblymen and Councillors.

In 1893, the Legislative Council was abolished and had its membership merged with the Assembly, though the two titles remained separate and were elected by different electoral franchises.