Swiss federal election, 1866
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Federal elections were held in Switzerland on 28 October 1866. The Radical Left remained the largest group in the National Council.[1]
Electoral system[edit]
The 128 members of the National Council were elected in 47 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 86.3% and lowest in the Canton of Schwyz at 18.7%.
| Party | Votes | % | Seats | +/– |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radical Left | 39.6 | 53 | –6 | |
| Liberal Centre | 28.4 | 39 | +2 | |
| Catholic Right | 17.0 | 21 | 0 | |
| Democratic Left | 10.5 | 11 | +5 | |
| Evangelical Right | 2.9 | 4 | –1 | |
| Independents | 1.6 | 0 | 0 | |
| Total | 284,020 | 100 | 128 | 0 |
| Registered voters/turnout | 561,669 | 50.6 | – | – |
| 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