Burmese general election, 1925

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Elections to the Legislative Council were held in Burma on 17 November 1925. [1] Under the terms of the dyarchy constitution, the Legislative Council of Burma was advisory to the British colonial governor, and had some direct authority over education, local government, public health, agriculture and forests.[2] In the 1925 election, the People's Party received the most votes, but was unable to form a government as the British authorities favoured the Golden Valley Party, who formed a government led by J.A. Maung Gyi.[3]

Campaign

The Burmese branch of the Swaraj Party led by U Toke Kyi put forward 20 candidates.[4] A loose group known as the Independent Party had 85 candidates, whilst there were 49 "nationalists" running.[4]

Results

The Swaraj Party performed poorly, with U Toke Kyi defeated in his constituency.[5] Voter turnout was just 16%, although this marked an increase on the turnout of 6.9% in the 1922 elections.[6] This was put down to the success of elected politicians in amending controversial laws during their period in office, as well as an increase in the number of political parties.[6]

References

  1. ↑ "Burmese Elections. A Forecast", The Times, 18 November 1925, p13, Issue 44122
  2. ↑ Robert H. Taylor (2009). The State in Myanmar. NUS Press. p. 185. ISBN 978-9971-69-466-1. Retrieved 24 November 2012.
  3. ↑ Here Today, Gone Tomorrow The Irrawaddy, 3 November 2009
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Elections In Burma. Grouping Of Parties", The Times, 13 November 1925, p11, Issue 44118
  5. ↑ "News in Brief", The Times, 25 November 1925, p15, Issue 44128
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 The Ghost of Elections Past The Irrawaday, 31 May 2010