30 October 1932 1938 → 55.1% 17.6% 47,207 42,885 | 187,914 60,856 Héctor Rodríguez Enrique Zañartu Prieto 13.7% 12.4% | |
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General elections were held in Chile on 30 October, 1932. Arturo Alessandri of the Liberal Party was elected president, whilst the Conservative Party and Radical Party emerged as the largest parties in the Chamber of Deputies.
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Background
The election took place roughly a year after the previous election, but political and economical instability caused by the Great Depression which took its bottom point in mid-1932, did only make the situation turn worse. President Montero had to resign shortly after a mutiny led by Marmaduque Grove, who headed the Socialist Republic of Chile until being overtrown by former-ally Carlos Davila who also became overtrown, this time by Bartolome Blanche who after his downfall Abraham Oyanedel became head of state. The return of Alessandri became so highly awaited that he won the election in a landslide ending a turbulent and bitter year for the country, being considered today as the worst one in Chilean history.
Electoral system
The presidential election was held using the absolute majority system, under which a candidate had to receive over 50% of the popular vote to be elected. If no candidate received over 50% of the vote, both house of the National Congress would come together to vote on the two candidates that received the most votes.
Chamber of Deputies
a The Socialist parties included New Public Action (9,790 votes) and Chilean Socialists (5,352 votes).
Aftermath
Following the elections, three of the independent candidates elected to the Chamber of Deputies joined the Communist Party.