Spain's Restoration Era: Bipartisan Politics and Electoral Fraud
The Bipartisan System of the Restoration (1876)
The bipartisan system featured two major parties that shared fundamental similarities: both were minorities, both accepted the Constitution of 1876, and both were staunch monarchists who believed Spain should be a liberal, unitary, and centralized state.
Key Differences Between Parties
Conservative Party (Cánovas)
- More immobilist (resistant to change).
- Favored greater power for the Church.
- Defended restricted (censitary) suffrage.
Liberal Party (Sagasta)
- Advocated for more reforms.
- Sought less power for the Church.
- Advocated for universal male suffrage.
Both parties promised not to enact any legislation that would fundamentally undermine the other's core principles.
Catalan Political Alignment
- Catalan Conservatives: Shared views with Spanish Conservatives but rejected centralism. (Example: Manuel Duran i Bas).
- Catalan Liberals: More radical, demanding greater reforms and universal suffrage. (Example: Francesc Rius i Taulet).
Electoral Fraud and Caciquismo
The political turnover (known as the Turno Pacífico) was achieved through systemic corruption and manipulation, primarily controlled by caciques.
The Role of the Caciques
Caciques were influential local figures (often landowners or employers) who controlled the votes of workers and tenants, especially in less developed regions. They colluded with civil governors to ensure the desired electoral results.
The Mechanism of Electoral Corruption
Electoral corruption was common in all elections, particularly prevalent in rural areas. Manipulations included ballot stuffing, intimidation, and even the registration of deceased individuals as voters. This entire set of manipulations was collectively known as TUPINADAS.
Evolution of the Turno System and Key Reforms
Between 1876 and 1898, the Turno Pacífico (peaceful rotation of power) functioned relatively smoothly. The situation became significantly more complicated after the Disaster of 1898, when Spain lost Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines.
Suffrage Changes and Manipulation
Until 1890, suffrage was restricted (censitary). However, universal male suffrage was introduced in 1890. This change necessitated even greater manipulation of the votes.
Liberal Reforms
During their turns in power, the Liberals tended to introduce more progressive reforms, including:
- Introduction of universal male suffrage.
- The Law of Associations, legalizing other political parties.
- The abolition of slavery.
- Treasury and fiscal reforms.
The Pact of El Pardo
The Conservatives and Liberals signed the Pact of El Pardo to ensure mutual support for the monarchy against the pressures of Carlists and Republicans.
The System in Crisis
Towards the end of the Restoration period, during times of political crisis, so-called Governments of Concentration were formed, where Conservatives and Liberals governed together to maintain stability and strengthen the system.
Political Forces Marginalized from the System
The Republicans were the main political force marginalized from the bipartisan system. They were divided into different factions:
- Unitary Republicans: Defended the Republic as a centralized state.
- Federal Republicans: Argued that every region should have significant autonomy and power.