1855 General Election: 28 October–28 December

The 1855 New Zealand general election marked a significant milestone in the country's political history. It was the first general election held in New Zealand under responsible government, following the passing of the New Zealand Constitution Act in 1852. The election took place over a two-month period from late October to late December. The background of the election was characterized by the establishment of a bicameral system of government, with an elected House of Representatives and an appointed Legislative Council. This new system aimed to provide more self-governing powers to the settlers in New Zealand, allowing them to have a say in the governance of the colony. The impact of the election was profound, as it set the stage for the development of responsible government in New Zealand. The election saw the emergence of political parties and the formation of the first responsible government under Premier Henry Sewell. This paved the way for future elections and the evolution of New Zealand's political system. During the election, candidates contested for seats in the House of Representatives, with voters having the opportunity to elect their representatives through a system of universal male suffrage. The election process was a significant step towards democracy in New Zealand, giving ordinary citizens a voice in the political affairs of the colony. Overall, the 1855 New Zealand general election was a crucial moment in the country's history, marking the transition to responsible government and laying the foundation for democratic governance. It set the precedent for future elections and the development of New Zealand's political system. #NewZealandHistory #ResponsibleGovernment #DemocraticGovernance