The Manchurian premierial election, 1996 was held on the 3rd February 1996. The third direct premierial election and second to be held since democratisation, the election was also one of the most tightly fought in Manchurian history. The main four candidates going into the election were incumbent Premier Du Changhao of the Minzhudang, the First Secretary of the Socialist Party of Manchuria former premier and communist party boss Tao Shiyou, Manzuxiehui leader Jin Pai Nai and Progressive Millennium leader Raoguo Jixu.