New South Wales colonial election, 1856

New South Wales colonial election, 1856

11 March 1856 – 19 April 1856
All 54 seats in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly.
Leader Stuart Donaldson Leader's seat Sydney Hamlets
Elected Premier Stuart Donaldson

The 1856 New South Wales colonial election was held between 11 March and 19 April 1856. This election was for all of the 54 seats in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly and it was conducted in 18 single-member constituencies, 13 2-member constituencies, two 3-member constituencies and one 4-member constituency, all with a first past the post system.

This was the first election held since the introduction of self-government in New South Wales. The resulting parliament, devoid of anything resembling party structure, ran for two weeks before Stuart Donaldson assumed the premiership, and struggled to deliver stable government during its term.

Key dates

Date	Event
10 March to 5 April 1856	Nominations for candidates for the election closed.
11 March to 19 April 1856	Polling days.
22 May 1856	Opening of new Parliament.

Results

New South Wales colonial election, 11 March 1856 – 19 April 1856 Legislative Assembly — 1858 >>
Enrolled voters
Votes cast		38,044		Turnout	48.51
Informal votes		0		Informal	0.00
Summary of votes by party
Party		Primary votes	%	Swing	Seats	Change
Total		38,044			54

See also

• Results of the New South Wales colonial election, 1856
• Members of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly, 1856–1858
• Candidates of the New South Wales colonial election, 1856