The Turnismo System and Political Oligarchy in Spain

The Nature of the Political Oligarchy

The system was defined by those who formed an oligarchy in power, while the mass of the people—especially the rural, illiterate, apolitical, and conformist—remained aloof.

The Formula of Political Turnismo

Political Turnismo was a political formula of immediate advantage. Thanks to electoral manipulation, it gave both parties the possibility of alternating in government peacefully. As was already agreed, the system was based on permanent counterfeiting, which meant not only an agreement with the Crown and the Constitution but also socio-economic approaches based on capitalist production and private property. This was a government that worked "from the top down."

The system was secured by a party leadership centered in Madrid, which set up committees or circles in the hands of "notables." The origins of the men who were engaged in professional politics were quite varied, including:

• Celebrated lawyers
• Eminent professors
• Wealthy landowners
• Successful businessmen

The Electoral Machinery and the Elite

Prominent political leaders always maintained close relations with the rich and powerful individuals who formed the economic elite of the bourgeoisie and the aristocracy of the country. These individuals were responsible for organizing the electoral machinery. Once the new head of government had obtained the royal decree of dissolution of the Parliament, they would call new elections to the Cortes and compose a list of supporters.

With a few boxes representing the electoral districts, they were granted a seat "labeled" (encasillado), while reserving some seats for the agreed turnista outgoing party. The official candidates had virtually won the elections before they were even held.

The Role of the Cacique in Rural Areas

Local negotiations to achieve electoral success were carried out by the Government through the Civil Governor of the province, who served as the instrument of communication between the state and the Cacique—the true manipulator and controller of the vote in rural areas.

The Caciques were the most powerful and influential individuals of each locality. They used to be the largest landowners, local factory owners, lenders, or traders who took advantage of their dominant economic position to extend and consolidate their control over the entire rural community. The Cacique was a remnant of the old relations based on seigneurial and personal reliance.

The Caciques were members of a local or regional elite characterized by three hallmarks:

1. Their deep roots in a concrete geographical environment.
2. A social, economic, and personal dominance that was often unique and not shared in that closed society.
3. Their role as an intermediary between the local community and the state.