January 1926 Liechtenstein general election

January 1926 Liechtenstein general election
10 January 1926 (first round)
24 January 1926 (second round)
All 15 seats in the Landtag
8 seats needed for a majority
Turnout92.38% (Increase 6.94pp)
Party Leader Seats +/–
VP Gustav Schädler 9 −2
FBP Bernhard Risch 6 +2
This lists parties that won seats. See the complete results below.
Results by constituency
Prime Minister before Prime Minister after
Gustav Schädler
VP		 Gustav Schädler
VP

General elections were held in Liechtenstein on 10 and 24 January 1926 to elect the 15 members of the Landtag.[1] The Christian-Social People's Party (VP) won nine seats and retained its majority in the Landtag, with the Progressive Citizens' Party (FBP) winning six.

The election campaign was marked by accusations and personal attacks from both parties. Following the election, the FBP attempted to nominate Ludwig Marxer to government against the will of the VP, which subsequently resulted in fresh elections being called in April.

Background

In the 1922 elections, the first held under the 1921 constitution, the Christian-Social People's Party (VP) won a majority of eleven seats, and the Progressive Citizens' Party (FBP) won four.[2] The VP subsequently formed a majority government under the leadership of Gustav Schädler.[3]

Schädler's term in office was marked by political and economic reorientation towards Switzerland.[3] His government successfully negotiated the establishment of a customs union between the two countries, which took effect in 1924, along with the adoption of the swiss franc the same year.[3][4] His government was also responsible for reorientating the country's administration to the recently introduced 1921 constitution.[3]

Electoral system

The 15 members of the Landtag were elected via a majority system from two constituencies, Oberland with 9 seats and Unterland with 6 seats. Candidates that received the majority of votes in a constituency were elected. If a constituency did not receive enough elected candidates, then a second round would be held.[5] Only men aged 21 and above were eligible to vote.[6][7]

Campaign

FBP electoral leaflet

Both the VP and FBP campaigned on their respective newspapers, the Liechtensteiner Nachrichten and Liechtensteiner Volksblatt, also frequently using leaflets on issues. The FBP attacked the VP government for supporting the class lottery in Liechtenstein, calling it a "fraudulent enterprise". Conversely, the VP highlighted Liechtenstein's economic growth and increasing ties between the country and the House of Liechtenstein.[8]

The election campaign was marked by accusations and personal attacks by both parties, which primarily included leaflets circulating alleged scandals and attacks on members of the respective parties. As a result, there were numerous complaints of "violations against the safety of one's honour" by both parties. Notably Wilhelm Beck, President of the Landtag, was reported to the police for allegedly supporting republican views when he attacked Prince Karl Aloys of Liechtenstein.[8]

Candidates

Oberland FBP VP
Unterland FBP VP
Source: Vogt[9]

Results

The VP won nine seats, a two-seat decrease from their 1922 performance, and retained its majority in the Landtag. The FBP won six, at an increase of two.[2]

PartyFirst roundSecond roundTotal
seats		+/–
Votes%SeatsVotes%Seats
Christian-Social People's Party867651.6019–2
Progressive Citizens' Party663448.4006+2
Total141,310100.001150
Total votes2,038–
Registered voters/turnout2,20692.38
Source: Nohlen & Stöver, Vogt[9]

By electoral district

First round

Electoral district Seats Party Elected members Votes Seats

won

 +/–
Oberland 9 Christian-Social People's Party
5522 8 0
Progressive Citizens' Party – 4718 0 0
Unterland 6 Progressive Citizens' Party
2319 6 Increase 2
Christian-Social People's Party – 1938 0 Decrease 2
Source: Vogt[9]

Second round

Electoral district Seats Party Elected members Votes Seats

won

Oberland 1 Christian-Social People's Party Alois Frick 676 1
Progressive Citizens' Party – 634 0
Source: Vogt[9]

Aftermath

Following the election, against the will of the VP, the FBP attempted to nominate Ludwig Marxer as a government councillor. The VP refused to appoint Marxer to government and in response the FBP members of the Landtag refused to take their seats, gridlocking the Landtag; the subsequent government crisis resulted in Johann II, Prince of Liechtenstein calling for fresh elections in April.[8][10]

References

  1. ↑ Nohlen & Stöver 2010, p. 1164.
  2. 1 2 Nohlen & Stöver 2010, p. 1182.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Quaderer, Rupert (31 December 2011). "Schädler, Gustav". Historisches Lexikon des Fürstentums Liechtenstein (in German). Retrieved 18 May 2023.
  4. ↑ Marxer, Roland (31 December 2011). "Zollanschlussvertrag". Historisches Lexikon des Fürstentums Liechtenstein (in German). Retrieved 25 October 2023.
  5. ↑ Marxer, Wilfried; Frommelt, Fabian (31 December 2011). "Wahlsysteme". Historisches Lexikon des Fürstentums Liechtenstein (in German). Retrieved 17 November 2024.
  6. ↑ Marxer, Wilfried; Frommelt, Fabian (31 December 2011). "Stimm- und Wahlrecht". Historisches Lexikon des Fürstentums Liechtenstein (in German). Retrieved 28 July 2026.
  7. ↑ Frick, Julia (31 December 2011). "Frauenstimm- und -wahlrecht". Historisches Lexikon des Fürstentums Liechtenstein (in German). Retrieved 7 December 2024.
  8. 1 2 3 Quaderer, Rupert (27 November 2012). "Turbulenter Wahlkampf vor 90 Jahren". Liechtensteiner Vaterland (in German). p. 11 – via Swissdox.
  9. 1 2 3 4 Vogt 1987, p. 205.
  10. ↑ Geiger 1997, p. 66.

Bibliography

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