Cisleithanian legislative election, 1900–01

Electoral system

The elections were held according to the parameters set in 1896 Badeni electoral reform which classified voters according to their status and wealth into five curiae:

1. Landowners,
2. Trade and industry chambers,
3. Large and medium farmers,
4. Male city residents who were annually paying at least 5 guilders worth of taxes,
5. All men older than 24.

However, only 6% of the adult population of Cisleithania had a right to vote. Voting took place in stages, with the last elections being held in 1st curiae in Lower Austria.

Results

The largest groups after the election were the Polish Club, the Young Czech Party and the German People's Party which together had 164 seats.

Elections did not significantly changed relations in the Imperial Council and had re-created a highly fragmented political spectrum. Young Czech Party saw some weakening due to the formation of independent political parties such as Republican Party of Farmers and Peasants and the Czech National Social Party. Czech National socialists represented a new trend in voter preferences, strengthening the nationalist forces. Significantly, they succeed Pan-German Association. These elections led to the weakening of the social democratic parties, with the Social Democrats gaining only 10 seats.

Compared with previous elections, turnout fell. In the 5th curia, under 30% of eligible voters voted. Historian Otto Urban interprets this as a result of the declining influence of the Council in the Austrian political life. At the same time it was a more general change of attitude towards the elected legislative bodies.

Theses election did not have impact on the Government because the Cabinet of Ernest von Koerber had mandate until 1904 since it has been elected in year 1900.

Seats

In early February of 1901, the Imperial Council had 20 political groups: