1875 Teiko general elections

1875 Teiko general elections

15 May 1875 (1875-05-15)
All 46 seats to the Royal Council 24 seats needed for a majority
First party Second party Third party   Leader Katsushi Tanaka Kyojiro Mibu Makoto Shishio Party Kokumin Kyōkai Rikken Dōshikai Aikoku Kōtō Last election 11 seats 15 seats 6 seats Seats won 15 13 7 Seat change 4 2 1
Royal Council after the 1875 general elections
Daijō-daijin before election Kenshin Himura Independent Elected Daijō-daijin Kenshin Himura Independent

General elections were held in Teiko on 15 May 1875. Voting took place in all constituencies in order to elect all the 46 members of the Royal Council, the unicameral legislature of the country. It was the third elections under the reign of Prince Keisuke.

The governing coalition parties, Rikken Dōshikai and Kokumin Kyōkai remained the largest parties in the Royal Council. Kokumin Kyōkai leader Katsushi Tanaka led his party to victory by winning the most seats.

Background

During the 2nd Royal Council, despite both parties serving under the same governing coalition, political differences between Rikken Dōshikai and Kokumin Kyōkai can no longer be ignored. Leadership changes in both parties have also exacerbated feelings of distrust between both parties. In March 1875, Kokumin Kyōkai leader Toshitomo Suetsugi died and was replaced by Katsushi Tanaka who was less amicable in working with Rikken Dōshikai. Tanaka and his faction of the Kokumin Kyōkai felt that his party was being treated unfairly despite nearly equal number of seats with the Rikken Dōshikai. One of their main contention is the appointment of Kyojiro Mibu as Pungwolju for life.

Daijō-daijin Kenshin Himura sought to keep the coalition together by promising Katsushi Tanaka more government positions. Tanaka's refusal forced the government to dissolve and for an early election to occur.

Aftermath

The 3rd Royal Council was convened on 24 May 1875. Kokumin Kyōkai initially refused to join a ruling coalition with Rikken Dōshikai but when Himura sought to bypass them by working with the independents, Tanaka acquiesce.

See also

• Elections in Teiko