Legislative elections were held in French Polynesia on 16 March 1986 for the Territorial Assembly.

However, in 1985 the government and opposition asked the French Council of Ministers for early elections be held.

[1] Lists were also required to have two more candidates than the number of seats in the constituency to provide replacements and avoid the need for by-elections.

[2] Following the elections, two members of the minor parties joined Tahoera'a Huiraatira, giving them 24 of the 41 seats.

[3] In addition to Flosse, four other Assembly members became ministers; Georges Kelly, Alexandre Léontieff, Jacques Teheiura and Michel Buillard.