New South Wales colonial election, 1859

New South Wales colonial election, 1859

9 June 1859 – 7 July 1859
All 80 seats in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly.
Leader William Forster Charles Cowper Leader's seat Queanbeyan East Sydney
Premier before election Charles Cowper Elected Premier William Forster

The 1859 New South Wales colonial election was held between 9 June and 7 July 1859. This election was for all of the 80 seats in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly and it was conducted in 58 single-member constituencies, seven 2-member constituencies and two 4-member constituencies, all with a first past the post system. The previous parliament of New South Wales was dissolved on 11 April 1859 by the Governor, Sir William Denison, on the advice of the Premier, Charles Cowper.

There was no recognisable party structure at this election; instead the government was determined by a loose, shifting factional system.

Key dates

Date	Event
11 April 1859	The Legislative Assembly was dissolved, and writs were issued by the Governor to proceed with an election.
7 June to 26 June 1859	Nominations for candidates for the election closed.
9 June to 7 July 1859	Polling days.
30 August 1859	Opening of new Parliament.

Results

New South Wales colonial election, 9 June 1859 – 7 July 1859 Legislative Assembly << 1858 — 1860 >>
Enrolled voters
Votes cast		52,153		Turnout	52.54	+9.45
Informal votes		26		Informal	0.08	+0.08
Summary of votes by party
Party		Primary votes	%	Swing	Seats	Change
Total		52,153			80

See also

• Members of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly, 1859–1860
• Candidates of the New South Wales colonial election, 1859