1961 Portuguese legislative election

Parliamentary elections were held in Portugal on 12 November 1961.[1] The ruling National Union won all 130 seats unopposed.[2]

1961 Portuguese National Assembly election

12 November 1961

130 seats to the National Assembly
65 seats needed for a majority
  First party
 
Leader António de Oliveira Salazar
Party UN
Last election 120 seats
Seats won 130
Seat change 10
Popular vote 973,997
Percentage 100.0%
Swing


Prime Minister before election

António de Oliveira Salazar
UN

Prime Minister-elect

António de Oliveira Salazar
UN

Electoral system

The number of seats in the National Assembly was increased from 120 to 130 prior to the elections.[3] The number of seats for Angola and Mozambique was increased from four each to seven each, whilst Portuguese India and Cape Verde each gained a seat, taking their totals to three and two respectively.[3] Mainland Portugal also gained two seats.[3]

Following the granting of Portuguese citizenship to the indigenous inhabitants of Angola and Mozambique, they were entitled to vote for the first time as long as they were literate, held a job in a recognised profession, or were taxpayers.[3]

Campaign

A total of 25 opposition candidates registered to run in the elections on 12 lists.[2][4] They officially withdrew their candidacies on 7 November, protesting against the government's failure to allow "free and clean elections".[2] The Monarchist list was rejected in Lisbon after arriving to hand in their list a minute late.[4]

Results

Party Votes % Seats
National Union100130
Invalid/blank votes
Total973,997100130
Registered voters/turnout1,315,23174.0
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

References

  1. Dieter Nohlen & Philip Stöver (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, p1542 ISBN 978-3-8329-5609-7
  2. "No Opposition In Portuguese Election "Discrimination By Government"" The Times, 8 November 1961, p11, Issue 55233
  3. "Portugal To Vote On Nov. 12 Salazar Opponents Prepare Lists" The Times, 3 October 1961, p11, Issue 55202
  4. "New Candidates In Portugal" The Times, 16 October 1961, p11, Issue 55213

See also

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