1877 New South Wales colonial election

1877 New South Wales colonial election

24 October 1877 – 12 November 1877
All 73 seats in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly 37 Assembly seats were needed for a majority
Leader Sir John Robertson Sir Henry Parkes Leader's seat West Sydney (defeated, elected for East Macquarie and Mudgee) East Sydney (elected for Canterbury)
Premier before election Sir John Robertson Elected Premier James Farnell

The 1877 New South Wales colonial election was held between 24 October and 12 November 1877. This election was for all of the 73 seats in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly and it was conducted in 53 single-member constituencies, six 2-member constituencies and two 4-member constituencies, all with a first past the post system. Suffrage was limited to adult male British subjects, resident in New South Wales. The previous parliament of New South Wales was dissolved on 12 October 1877 by the Governor, Sir Hercules Robinson, on the advice of the Premier, Sir John Robertson.

There was no recognisable party structure at this election; instead the government was determined by a loose, shifting factional system. Although the leaders of the main groupings at this election were Robertson and Sir Henry Parkes, the subsequent government was formed by James Farnell as a compromise Premier. Farnell's government lasted a year and two days.

Key dates

Date	Event
12 October 1877	The Legislative Assembly was dissolved, and writs were issued by the Governor to proceed with an election.
22 October to 5 November 1877	Nominations for candidates for the election closed.
24 October to 12 November 1877	Polling days.
27 November 1877	Opening of new Parliament.

Results

New South Wales colonial election, 24 October – 12 November 1877  Legislative Assembly << 1874–75–1880 >>
Enrolled voters
Votes cast		98,503		Turnout	48.31	+1.10
Informal votes		680		Informal	1.01	−0.19
Summary of votes by party
Party		Primary votes	%	Swing	Seats	Change
Total		98,503			73

References

• "Former members of the New South Wales Parliament, 1856-2006". New South Wales Parliament.

See also

• Members of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly, 1877–1880
• Candidates of the 1877 New South Wales colonial election