1997 Portuguese local elections

Electoral system All 305 municipalities are allocated a certain number of councilors to elect corresponding to the number of registered voters in a given municipality. Each party or coalition must present a list of candidates. The winner of the most voted list for the municipal council is automatically elected mayor, similar to first-past-the-post (FPTP). The lists are closed and the seats in each municipality are apportioned according to the D'Hondt method. By-elections (1993–1997) During the normal four-year term of local governments, one municipal council by-election was held in the municipality of Albufeira on 21 January 1996, adding to this, fifteen parishes also held a by-election for parish assemblies. == Parties ==

The main political forces involved in the election were: • People's Party (CDS–PP) (only in some municipalities)1, • Democratic Unity Coalition (CDU)2 • Socialist Party (PS)2 • Social Democratic Party (PSD) (only in some municipalities)1 • People's Monarchist Party (PPM) 1 The PSD and the CDS–PP formed coalitions in some municipalities. 2 The PS formed a coalition with CDU and UDP in Lisbon. ==Results==

Municipal Councils National summary of votes and seats Municipality map . Municipalities won by:■ - PSD: 127 ■ - PS: 128 ■ - CDU: 41 ■ - CDS–PP: 8 ■ - PPM: 1 City control The following table lists party control in all district capitals, highlighted in bold, as well as in municipalities above 100,000 inhabitants. Population estimates from the 1991 Census. Municipal Assemblies National summary of votes and seats Parish Assemblies National summary of votes and seats ==See also==