August 1870 Belgian general election

Early general elections were held in Belgium on 2 August 1870, the second that year after the partial elections in June had ended with both the Catholic Party and the Liberal Party holding 61 seats each. The result was a victory for the Catholic Party, which won 72 of the 124 seats in the Chamber of Representatives and 34 of the 62 seats in the Senate. Voter turnout was 68%, although only 107,099 people (2.1% of the population) were eligible to vote.

Belgian general election,
August 1870

2 August 1870 (1870-08-02)
All 124 seats in the Chamber of Representatives 63 seats needed for a majority
First party Second party   Leader Jules d'Anethan Walthère Frère-Orban Party Catholic Liberal Leader since Candidate for PM Candidate for PM Seats before 61 seats 61 seats Seats won 72 52 Seat change 11 9 Popular vote 39,705 32,448 Percentage 54.49% 44.53%
Government before election d'Anethan Catholic Government after election d'Anethan Catholic

Results

Chamber of Representatives

Party		Votes	%	Seats	+/–
	Catholic Party	39,705	54.49	72	+11
	Liberal Party	32,448	44.53	52	–9
	Others	720	0.99	0	New
Total		72,873	100.00	124	+2
Total votes		72,873	–
Registered voters/turnout		107,099	68.04
Source: Mackie & Rose, Sternberger et al.

Senate

Party		Seats
	Catholic Party	34
	Liberal Party	27
	Independents	1
Total		62
Source: Sternberger et al.

See also

• Belgium and the Franco-Prussian War