[1] It was the election of all 24[1] MEPs representing the Portugal constituency for the remainder of the 1984–1989 term of the European Parliament.

The Social Democrats (PSD) won the 1st European election by a landslide over the Socialists.

The Socialists, headed by former PM Maria de Lourdes Pintasilgo, suffered a huge defeat, polling just 22 percent, matching their general election score.

The Communist/Green alliance, Democratic Unity Coalition, polled 4th place and won 11.5 percent of the votes.

Finally, the Democratic Renewal Party (PRD), also suffered a very heavy defeat, winning just 4 percent of the votes and electing a sole member for the EU Parliament.