9th General Election: 2 May 1861
Party composition: Conservative 15, Liberal 13, vacant 2. Total Assembly membership 30.
This was the most violent and sectarian election in Newfoundland's history. In one two member electoral district a party of voters going to the polling place were attacked. A relative of one of the candidates was shot dead. Subsequently there were riots. The returning office later gave sworn evidence that he had only returned two members due to his being threatened. A mob attacked and burnt the returning officers home, a few days later.
The Assembly decided not to seat any claimants from the disputed election, although the Conservatives won the subsequent by-election.
Shortly before the next election Hugh Hoyles was replaced as Premier by a more conciliatory Conservative, Frederick Carter, who was anxious to reduce sectarian strife and bring some Catholics into the cabinet.
Read more about this topic: General Elections In Pre-confederation Newfoundland
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