Swiss federal election, 1860
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Federal elections were held in Switzerland on 28 October 1860. Despite large losses, the Radical Left remained the largest group in the National Council, winning 64 of the 120 seats.[1]
Electoral system[edit]
The 120 members of the National Council were elected in 49 single- and multi-member constituencies; there was one seat for every 20,000 citizens, with seats allocated to cantons in proportion to their population.[2] The elections were held using a three-round system; candidates had to receive a majority in the first or second round to be elected; if it went to a third round, only a plurality was required. Voters could cast as many votes as there were seats in their constituency.[2] In six cantons (Appenzell Innerrhoden, Appenzell Ausserrhoden, Glarus, Nidwalden, Obwalden and Uri), National Council members were elected by the Landsgemeinde.
Results[edit]
Voter turnout was highest in the Canton of Schaffhausen (where voting was compulsory) at 86.4% and lowest in the Canton of Zürich at 8.9%.
| Party | Votes | % | Seats | +/– |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radical Left | 48.2 | 64 | –26 | |
| Liberal Centre | 21.6 | 37 | +22 | |
| Catholic Right | 21.2 | 15 | –5 | |
| Evangelical Right | 4.0 | 3 | –2 | |
| Democratic Left | 2.9 | 1 | +1 | |
| Independents | 2.1 | 0 | ||
| Total | 265,730 | 100 | 120 | 0 |
| Registered voters/turnout | 541,670 | 49.1 | – | – |
| Source: BFS | ||||
References[edit]
- ^ Elections to the National Council 1848–1917: Distribution of seats by party or political orientation BFS
- ^ a b Dieter Nohlen & Philip Stöver (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, p1886 ISBN 9783832956097