French presidential election, 1873
A presidential election took place in France on May 24, 1873 following the resignation of incumbent President Adolphe Thiers.
After 1871 legislative election Legitimists and Orleanists monarchists hold a large majority over Republicans and Bonapartists.
Unlike as it was during Second French Republic, when President was elected by popular vote (see French presidential election, 1848), during Third Republic this was passed to the parliament.
There were two candidates to succeed Thiers:
- Marshal Patrice de Mac-Mahon (Legitimist, supported by the monarchist in order to gain an ally to restore monarchy)
- Former President of the Chamber of Deputies Jules Grévy (Democratic Republican Alliance, supported by the Republican forces)
Results (sole round):
| Candidate | Party | Seats | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patrice de Mac-Mahon | Legitimists | 99.74% | |
| Jules Grévy | Republicans | 0.16% | |
Aftermath
Unable to help in restore of monarchy after monarchist loses and streghten of Republican forces, Mac-Mahon resigned in 1879 and Grevy was elected to replace him without a significant opposition.