In its more than 30 years of existence, the ruling People's United Party had never lost an election at the national level, whilst the opposition had never won more than six seats (out of a possible eighteen in 1974).

Senator Manuel Esquivel – who Prime Minister George Price defeated in his own House constituency in 1979 – became UDP leader in December 1983.

[2] The ongoing border dispute with Guatemala was also a campaign issue, with the UDP criticising Price's negotiations.

This created 10 new constituencies for a total of 28, but the majority were upset because of claims that the PUP drew the boundaries with victory in mind.

Price continued to lead the PUP from outside the National Assembly while Florencio Marin became Leader of the Opposition.