1879 Norwegian parliamentary election
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Parliamentary elections were held in Norway in 1879.[1] The elections were not held on a specific date, as the various cities and Amts held the election at their own choice.[2] Instead, the elections stretched from June to several months later.[2] Voting rights were highly limited, as women were not allowed to vote and there were strong restrictions on men's ability to vote.[2] It has been estimated that only 2.5% of the population of Christiania (Oslo), and 4.6% of the national population, was eligible to vote.[2][3] The national election turnout was 48.7% (85% in Christiania), and 114 representatives were elected for the Norwegian Parliament,[3] an increase of three seats compared to the Storting elected in 1876.[4]
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JulyâDecember 1879
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All 114 seats in the Storting 58 seats needed for a majority | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered | 87,173 | ||
| Turnout | 48.67% | ||
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While there were no official parties, two informal groups existed, namely Venstre (meaning Left), or "the Liberals" (de liberale), and Høire.[2] The latter list was called Aftenpostens og Morgenbladets liste in Christiania.[2] The Venstre opposition, led by Johan Sverdrup, gained popularity particularly in the districts, while Høire remained the most popular in the cities.[2] In Christiania, the Aftenpostens og Morgenbladets liste won about 1,800 of the votes, while Venstre won about 600.[2]