1925 Burmese general election


Elections to the Legislative Council were held in Burma on 17 November 1925. Under the terms of the dyarchy constitution, the Legislative Council of Burma was advisory to the British colonial governor, and had some direct authority over education, local government, public health, agriculture and forests. The Nationalist Party received the most votes, but was unable to form a government as the British authorities favoured the Independent Party, who formed a government led by Joseph Maung Gyi.

Electoral system

The Legislative Council had 103 members, of which 80 were elected; 58 "non-communal" seats elected by a common roll, and 24 "communal" seats reserved for ethnic minorities and business groups . A further 21 seats were appointed by the Governor and there were also two ex officio members, the two members of the Executive Council of the Governor.

Campaign

The Burmese branch of the Swaraj Party led by U Toke Kyi put forward 20 candidates. The Independent Party had 85 candidates, whilst there were 49 Nationalist Party candidates running.

Results

The Swaraj Party performed poorly, with U Toke Kyi defeated in his constituency. Voter turnout was just 16%, although this marked an increase on the turnout of 6.9% in the 1922 elections. This was put down to the success of elected politicians in amending controversial laws during their period in office, as well as an increase in the number of political parties.