1822 Portuguese legislative election

The Liberal Revolution of 1820 would lead to the 1820 Portuguese elections and to the Constituent Cortes of 1820.[3] The Constituent Cortes would approve the Portuguese Constitution of 1822,[3] along with alterations to the electoral system that would be implemented in 1822.[4]

Unlike in 1820, when an indirect system was used, members of the new 118-seat legislature were elected directly by secret vote according to the electoral law passed on 11 July 1822;[1][2] 111 were elected from multi-member constituencies (102 on the mainland and 9 on islands) with between three and six seats, with an additional seven single-member constituencies representing overseas colonies.[1][5]

A two-round system was used, with candidates needing to receive at least 50% of the vote in the first round to be elected; in the second round only a plurality was required.[5]

All men over the age of 25 were enfranchised except members of religious orders, servants, vagabonds and those still dependent on their parents.[2] Men who were married, serving in the military, had graduated from university or were part of the secular clergy were allowed to vote if they were aged 20 or over.[2] In comparison with the previous election of 1820, this election would also restrict voting rights to the literate.[6]

Prince Miguel during the events of Vilafrancada

The Vilafrancada (27 May 1823) would mark the beginning of the end of the 1822 constitution and a return to absolutism.[4] The parliament held its last session on 2 June 1823, when it approved a declaration against any change to the 1822 constitution.[7] Two days later, John VI of Portugal signs a letter declaring that the constitution needs reform and later summons the Portuguese Cortes. The Septembrism movement would reinstate the 1822 constitution (12 September 1836 - 4 April 1838).[7]