February 1867 North German federal election

February 1867 North German federal election

February 12, 1867 (1867-02-12)
All 297 seats in the Reichstag 162 seats needed for a majority
Turnout	~65% (in Prussian constituencies)
First party Second party Third party   Leader Rudolf von Bennigsen Eduard Georg von Bethusy-Huc (nominal) Party NlP Conservatives DRP Leader since 1867 1866 Last election Reichstag created Seats won 80 59 39 Percentage 17.7%   Fourth party Fifth party Sixth party   Leader Georg von Vincke Benedict Waldeck Ludwig Windthorst Party Old Liberals DFP Federal Constitutional Party Leader since 1858 1867 1866 Last election Reichstag created Reichstag created Seats won 27 19 18 Percentage 4.6%   Seventh party   Party Free Association Last election Reichstag created Seats won 14
Map of results (by constituencies)
President of the Reichstag before election Position Established Elected President of the Reichstag Eduard von Simson Independent

Elections to the Constituent Reichstag of the North German Confederation were held on 12 February 1867, with run-off elections during the following weeks. The National Liberal Party emerged as the largest party, winning 80 seats and receiving strong support in Hanover, Kassel and Nassau. Voter turnout was around 65% in Prussian constituencies. After the Constituent Reichstag had drawn up and agreed a constitution, fresh elections were held in August.

Electoral system

The North German Confederation were divided into 297 single-member electoral constituencies, of which 236 were in Prussia. All men over the age of 25 and not in receipt of public assistance were eligible to vote.

Results

Party	Seats
National Liberal Party	80
Conservative Party	59
Free Conservative Party	39
Old Liberals	27
German Progress Party	19
Federal State Constitutional Association	18
Free Association	14
Poles	13
Independent liberals	11
Independent conservatives	8
Danes	2
Saxon People's Party	2
Others	5
Total	297