Electoral Fraud and the Restoration in Spain: An Analysis
Electoral Fraud During the Spanish Restoration
Almirall’s Critique of the Electoral System
Almirall’s work serves as a primary source revealing the political landscape of Spain during the Restoration period. Valmirall, a Catalan political advocate for the Federal Republic and a staunch supporter of Catalan interests, penned this piece to expose the rampant electoral fraud that plagued the era. His central argument revolves around the manipulation of elections to ensure the desired outcomes for those in power, particularly the heads of government and other political representatives across Spain.
Almirall asserts that the electoral system was inherently corrupt, orchestrated by the Minister of the Interior who commanded a vast network of officials to manipulate the voting process. He highlights two key methods employed to achieve this:
- Legal Manipulation: This involved manipulating the census by creating fictitious names or using the names of deceased individuals.
- Direct Manipulation (Rigging): This blatant disregard for legality involved directly tampering with votes.
This system of manipulation, with the Minister of the Interior at its helm, was not a novel invention in Spain. Similar practices were prevalent during the reign of Isabel II. It’s crucial to understand that voting was based on a census established by the Conservative Party in 1878. The Constitution stipulated that the voting system would be determined by the government, granting them significant control over the process.
Almirall also touches upon the concept of universal suffrage, a promise made by the Liberal Party to expand voting rights. This proposal faced strong opposition from the Conservative Party, who feared that empowering the lower classes would threaten the established order and property rights they sought to protect. Universal male suffrage (for those over 25) was eventually adopted in 1890.
The Structure of Electoral Fraud
The text reveals a structured and systematic approach to electoral fraud orchestrated by the government. At the national level, the Minister of the Interior, leveraging the centralized system, prepared the “encasillado” (predetermined list of candidates) to ensure the ruling party secured a parliamentary majority.
At the provincial level, governors were tasked with controlling the electorate and issuing instructions to mayors. Mayors, aided by local chiefs (caciques), formed the final link in this chain of manipulation. These caciques, influential figures in rural Spain (landowners, moneylenders, notaries, merchants), exerted control over the votes in their respective villages through various means, including favors, coercion, and threats.
Almirall concludes by highlighting the direct manipulation of votes, known as rigging. The government, through its control over Congress, could validate favorable electoral results and annul unfavorable ones at will. The Restoration period witnessed the perfection of this fraudulent system, characterized by its specific features and effectiveness.
The Return of the Bourbons and the Two-Party System
With the surrender of Martínez Campos, the Bourbon dynasty returned to power, reinstating the monarchy. Antonio Cánovas del Castillo, a prominent figure in this era, established a political system that would endure until 1923. This system, characterized by a two-party structure (Conservative and Liberal), facilitated a peaceful rotation of power. This arrangement, formally established in the Pact of El Pardo, ensured a monopoly on power through tightly controlled electoral fraud.
The centralized nature of the system and the resulting control over the electoral process made it easy to manipulate votes. The Constitution of 1876, a cornerstone of the Restoration, established shared sovereignty between the King and the Cortes (Parliament). This granted significant power to the King, who, in alignment with the two-party system, supported candidates by dissolving Parliament and appointing a government from the opposing party. This ensured the desired outcome in subsequent elections, guaranteeing a parliamentary majority for the chosen party.
Conclusion: Corruption as a Defining Feature of the Restoration
This document provides valuable insights into the electoral fraud that characterized the Restoration period in Spain. Corruption was a defining feature of this system. The framework for electoral fraud involved various state officials at different levels (national, provincial, and municipal). Even when results appeared to favor a particular candidate, legal appearances were disregarded, and rigging was employed to ensure the desired outcome.
Caciquismo, a tool of the oligarchy in rural areas to secure votes, played a crucial role in this system of electoral fraud. The manipulation of elections, the centralized control of power, and the influence of caciques were all integral components of the political landscape during the Spanish Restoration.
Sandhurst: Cánovas del Castillo’s Defense of the Bourbon Monarchy
Sandhurst, authored by Antonio Cánovas del Castillo, presents a defense of the Bourbon monarchy and promotes the idea of a liberal Catholic Spain. The text focuses on Alfonso XII and aims to generate support for his return to the throne.
On the occasion of Alfonso XII’s birthday, Cánovas del Castillo wrote a letter advocating for the restoration of the monarchy. He portrays Alfonso XII as a new king without enemies, who desires unity and peace for a nation embroiled in conflict (the Carlist Wars and the Ten Years’ War in Cuba). He highlights that Isabella II, Alfonso XII’s mother, abdicated in his favor, ensuring a legitimate claim to the throne.
Cánovas del Castillo argues that the monarchy is the only way to guarantee rights and freedoms, specifically advocating for a hereditary and representative monarchy as opposed to the Carlist model. He points out that the Constitutions of 1845 and 1869 abolished the monarchy, leading to a period without a constitutional monarch. He emphasizes that Alfonso XII is a loyal prince who respects the will of the Spanish people.
While Cánovas del Castillo presents Alfonso XII as a liberal monarch, this portrayal is arguably a strategic maneuver to garner support. He appeals to the Church and the oligarchy, emphasizing the importance of Catholicism and a centralized state operating within a liberal political regime.
Sandhurst played a significant role in shaping the events of the time. It served as a powerful defense of the Bourbon monarchy, ultimately contributing to the restoration of the monarchy following the pronunciamiento of Martínez Campos.