1859 New South Wales colonial election

The 1859 New South Wales colonial election was held between 9 June and 7 July 1859. This election was for all of the 80 seats in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly and it was conducted in 58 single-member constituencies, seven 2-member constituencies and two 4-member constituencies, all with a first past the post system.^[4] Suffrage was limited to adult white males. The previous parliament of New South Wales was dissolved on 11 April 1859 by the Governor, Sir William Denison, on the advice of the Premier, Charles Cowper.

Quick facts All 80 seats in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly 41 Assembly seats were needed for a majority, First party ...

1859 New South Wales colonial election

← 1858 9 June 1859 – 7 July 1859 1860 â†’
All 80 seats in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly 41 Assembly seats were needed for a majority
First party Second party   Leader Charles Cowper William Forster Party Government Opposition Leader's seat East Sydney Queanbeyan Seats won 34[1][2] 27[1][2]
Results of the election, showing winners in each seat. Seats without member charts indicate the electorate returned one member.
Premier before election Charles Cowper Elected Premier Charles Cowper[3]

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There was no recognisable party structure at this election; instead the government was determined by a loose, shifting factional system. Reporters from the Maitland Mercury recognised 22 members as being part of the government, while 17 members were part of the opposition. Other members were either not sitting, not recognised by the reporters, or a member of the crossbench.^[1]