Legislative Council elections were held in Burma in November 1928. Despite expectations that pro-government candidates would win, the result was a victory for the opposition, which won 45 of the 80 elected seats. However, the People's Party, the largest opposition party, was unable to form a government. Instead, the pro-British Independent Party formed the government.
Electoral system The Legislative Council had 80 elected members, who were elected in 72 constituencies."Simon Commission In Burma. Women And Public Life" The Times, 1 February 1929, p11, Issue 45116 Around 55% of the adult population of the country was eligible to vote in the elections. Women remained barred from standing as candidates, provoking a public protest by women at the Secretariat.
Results Opposition parties won 45 seats, with the People's Party receiving the most votes.Here Today, Gone Tomorrow The Irrawaddy, 3 November 2009 Sixteen independents were elected, of whom nine were thought to be pro-opposition."Burmese Elections. Gains By The Opposition", The Times, 15 November 1928, p15, Issue 45051 The pro-government parties and independents lost eight seats.
Voter turnout was only 18%.Robert H Taylor (2009) The State in Myanmar NUS Press, p185
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