March–April 1887 Swedish general election
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Early general elections were held in Sweden in March and April 1887, having not been due until the autumn.[1] They had been called following a debate over rye tariffs, and became known as the "tariff election".[1]
Background
Tariffs had become a major political issue in Sweden during the mid-1880s. In 1885 a campaign for tariffs to be introduced on grain was rejected by both chambers of the
In 1887 a tariff on rye was voted down 70–68 in the First Chamber, which went on to vote down all other tariffs.
Results
An intensive election campaign led to a large increase in voter turnout; since the changes to the electoral system in 1866 turnout had always been below 25%, but for this election it was 48%.[1] Only 21.9% of the male population aged over 21 was eligible to vote.[2]
Party | Votes | % | Seats | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Free traders | 76,025 | 58.61 | 102 | |
Protectionists | 53,692 | 41.39 | 112 | |
Total | 129,717 | 100.00 | 214 | |
Registered voters/turnout | 274,733 | – | ||
Source: Mackie & Rose[3] |
Aftermath
Following the spring elections, some MPs attempted to delay a decision on tariffs by proposing that a commission of inquiry be set up. Although this was supported by Themptander, Parliament rejected the idea.[1]
Despite the Spring elections, the scheduled August and September elections still went ahead, resulting in another victory for the free trade bloc, albeit with a reduced majority.[1]