What was the primary purpose of the 1954 East German general election?

The 1954 East German general election was held on October 17, 1954, to elect deputies for the second Volkskammer, the parliament of East Germany. This election determined the composition of the legislative body for the subsequent term.

When did the 1954 East German general election take place?

The 1954 East German general election was held on October 17, 1954. This date marked the second time citizens voted for representatives to the Volkskammer.

How many deputies were elected to the Volkskammer in the 1954 election?

A total of 466 deputies were elected to the Volkskammer in the 1954 East German general election. This number represented the total seats available in the parliament.

How were deputies from East Berlin selected for the Volkskammer in 1954?

Due to the four-power status of Berlin, the 66 deputies representing East Berlin were not directly elected but were indirectly appointed by the East Berlin magistrate. This was a unique arrangement stemming from the city's post-war administration.

What was the political context of the 1954 East German general election regarding party systems?

East Germany operated as a de facto one-party state in 1954. Voters were presented with a single list of candidates from the National Front, dominated by the Socialist Unity Party of Germany (SED), and could only approve or reject this list.

What was the National Front in the context of the 1954 East German election?

The National Front was an alliance of political parties and mass organizations in East Germany, heavily influenced and dominated by the ruling Socialist Unity Party of Germany (SED). In the 1954 election, it presented a unified list of candidates for voters to approve or reject.

What was the voter turnout reported for the 1954 East German general election?

The reported voter turnout for the 1954 East German general election was 98.5%. This figure indicates a very high level of participation, as reported by the authorities.

What percentage of voters approved the National Front's list in the 1954 election?

The list of candidates presented by the National Front received the approval of 99.46% of voters in the 1954 East German general election. This extremely high approval rate is characteristic of elections in one-party states.

What was the total number of votes cast in the 1954 East German general election?

A total of 11,892,849 votes were cast in the 1954 East German general election. This figure represents the sum of all ballots submitted by voters.

How many votes did the National Front's list receive in the 1954 election?

The National Front's list of candidates received 11,828,877 votes in the 1954 East German general election. This constituted the vast majority of the total votes cast.

What percentage of votes were cast against the National Front or were invalid in the 1954 election?

In the 1954 East German general election, 0.54% of the votes were cast against the National Front or were deemed invalid. This amounted to 63,972 votes.

Which party was dominant within the National Front during the 1954 election?

The Socialist Unity Party of Germany (SED) was the dominant party within the National Front, which presented the sole list of candidates in the 1954 East German general election. The SED controlled the political direction of the state.

Who was the leader associated with the Socialist Unity Party of Germany (SED) in the context of the 1954 election?

Walter Ulbricht is identified as the leader associated with the Socialist Unity Party of Germany (SED) in the infobox for the 1954 election. He was a key figure in East German politics.

How many seats did the Socialist Unity Party of Germany (SED) win in the 1954 election?

The Socialist Unity Party of Germany (SED) won 117 seats in the 1954 East German general election. This represented a significant portion of the seats allocated to the National Front.

What was the seat change for the Socialist Unity Party of Germany (SED) in the 1954 election?

The Socialist Unity Party of Germany (SED) saw an increase of 7 seats in the 1954 election, bringing its total to 117 seats. This indicated a slight expansion of its representation within the Volkskammer.

How many seats did the Free German Trade Union Federation (FDGB) win in the 1954 election?

The Free German Trade Union Federation (FDGB) won 53 seats in the 1954 East German general election. This organization represented workers within the National Front coalition.

What was the seat change for the Free German Trade Union Federation (FDGB) in the 1954 election?

The Free German Trade Union Federation (FDGB) gained 4 seats in the 1954 election, increasing its representation to 53 seats. This suggests a strengthening of its position within the political structure.

How many seats did the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) win in the 1954 election?

The Christian Democratic Union (CDU), participating within the National Front, won 52 seats in the 1954 East German general election. The CDU was one of the bloc parties under SED leadership.

What was the seat change for the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in the 1954 election?

The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) experienced a decrease of 15 seats in the 1954 election, ending up with 52 seats. This reduction indicated a shift in the distribution of seats among the National Front's constituent parties.

How many seats did the Liberal Democratic Party of Germany (LDPD) win in the 1954 election?

The Liberal Democratic Party of Germany (LDPD) secured 52 seats in the 1954 East German general election. Like the CDU, it was part of the National Front coalition.

What was the seat change for the Liberal Democratic Party of Germany (LDPD) in the 1954 election?

The Liberal Democratic Party of Germany (LDPD) saw a decrease of 14 seats in the 1954 election, resulting in 52 seats. This decline reflected the shifting balance of power within the National Front.

How many seats did the National Democratic Party of Germany (NDPD) win in the 1954 election?

The National Democratic Party of Germany (NDPD) obtained 52 seats in the 1954 East German general election. This party aimed to represent former members of the Nazi party and nationalist elements.

What was the seat change for the National Democratic Party of Germany (NDPD) in the 1954 election?

The National Democratic Party of Germany (NDPD) gained 17 seats in the 1954 election, increasing its representation to 52 seats. This was the largest increase among the bloc parties listed.

How many seats did the Democratic Farmers' Party of Germany (DBD) win in the 1954 election?

The Democratic Farmers' Party of Germany (DBD) secured 52 seats in the 1954 East German general election. This party represented farmers and agricultural workers.

What was the seat change for the Democratic Farmers' Party of Germany (DBD) in the 1954 election?

The Democratic Farmers' Party of Germany (DBD) experienced an increase of 19 seats in the 1954 election, bringing its total to 52 seats. This was the most significant gain in terms of seat increase.

How many seats did the Democratic Women's League of Germany (DFD) win in the 1954 election?

The Democratic Women's League of Germany (DFD) won 29 seats in the 1954 East German general election. This organization represented women within the National Front.

What was the seat change for the Democratic Women's League of Germany (DFD) in the 1954 election?

The Democratic Women's League of Germany (DFD) saw an increase of 9 seats in the 1954 election, reaching a total of 29 seats. This indicated a growth in its allocated representation.

How many seats did the Free German Youth (FDJ) win in the 1954 election?

The Free German Youth (FDJ) obtained 29 seats in the 1954 East German general election. The FDJ was the official youth organization in East Germany.

What was the seat change for the Free German Youth (FDJ) in the 1954 election?

The Free German Youth (FDJ) gained 4 seats in the 1954 election, bringing its total to 29 seats. This represented an increase in its parliamentary presence.

How many seats did the Cultural Association of the GDR win in the 1954 election?

The Cultural Association of the GDR won 18 seats in the 1954 East German general election. This organization represented cultural and artistic groups.

What was the seat change for the Cultural Association of the GDR in the 1954 election?

The Cultural Association of the GDR experienced a decrease of 6 seats in the 1954 election, resulting in 18 seats. This indicated a reduction in its parliamentary representation.

How many seats did the Peasants Mutual Aid Association win in the 1954 election?

The Peasants Mutual Aid Association secured 12 seats in the 1954 East German general election. This group represented agricultural interests.

What was the seat change for the Peasants Mutual Aid Association in the 1954 election?

The Peasants Mutual Aid Association had no change in its seat count, retaining 12 seats in the 1954 East German general election. This stability suggests consistent representation.

What does the image in the infobox, featuring a German flag and election navigation, represent?

The image in the infobox includes the flag of Germany and navigational elements for elections, symbolizing the context of the 1954 East German general election within the broader framework of German political history and electoral processes.

What is the source cited for the election data presented in the article?

The election data for the 1954 East German general election is cited from 'Elections in Europe: A data handbook' by Dieter Nohlen and Philip Stöver, published in 2010. This academic work is a recognized source for European election statistics.

What does the term 'Volkskammer' refer to in the context of East German politics?

The Volkskammer was the parliament of East Germany, serving as its primary legislative body. The 1954 general election was held to elect deputies to this chamber.

What was the overall change in the total number of seats in the Volkskammer for the 1954 election?

The total number of seats in the Volkskammer remained unchanged at 466 for the 1954 election, with a net change of 0 seats compared to the previous configuration. The distribution among the National Front's components, however, did shift.

What does the decrease symbol (▼) next to the turnout percentage signify?

The decrease symbol next to the turnout percentage indicates that the voter turnout in the 1954 election was slightly lower than in the previous election. Specifically, it was 0.09 percentage points lower.

What does the increase symbol (▲) next to the seat change figures represent?

The increase symbol next to seat change figures, such as for the SED (+7) or DBD (+19), indicates that the respective party or organization gained seats in the 1954 election compared to the previous election. Conversely, a decrease symbol would signify a loss of seats.

What was the total number of registered voters for the 1954 East German general election?

There were 12,085,380 registered voters for the 1954 East German general election. This figure represents the total number of eligible citizens who could have participated.

What does the term 'infobox-subheader' typically denote in this context?

The 'infobox-subheader' in this context provides secondary headings or contextual information within the election infobox, such as the date of the election and navigation links to previous and subsequent elections.

What does the 'infobox-header' signify in the election table?

The 'infobox-header' in the election table typically contains the main title or subject of the table, which in this case is 'All 466 seats in the Volkskammer', indicating the scope of the election results presented.

What is the significance of the colored bars next to party names in the results table?

The colored bars next to party names in the results table are likely visual indicators representing the party's affiliation or political leaning, often used in election infographics to distinguish between different political groups.

What does the 'sortbottom' class applied to some table rows indicate?

The 'sortbottom' class applied to rows like 'Total' and 'Registered voters/turnout' suggests these rows contain summary information that is typically placed at the bottom of a table for easy reference, often with distinct formatting.

What does the reference marker '[1]' next to the turnout percentage signify?

The reference marker '[1]' indicates that the preceding information, specifically the reported turnout percentage and its change, is supported by a citation. This allows readers to consult the source for verification.

What is the purpose of the navigation boxes (navboxes) included in the article?

The navigation boxes, such as 'Politics of East Germany' and 'Elections and referendums in East Germany', serve to provide context and links to related topics. They help users navigate through interconnected information about East German politics and electoral history.

What does the 'mw-selflink selflink' class on the '1954' election link indicate?

The 'mw-selflink selflink' class indicates that the link points to the current page itself. In this context, it highlights that the article is specifically about the 1954 election.

1954 East German General Election Wiki: The 1954 East German Election: A Mandate of Unity

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Election Overview

The Context

The 1954 East German general election was held on 17 October 1954, to elect deputies to the Volkskammer, the parliament of the German Democratic Republic (GDR). This election was the second to the Volkskammer, which comprised 466 deputies. Due to the unique four-power status of Berlin, the 66 deputies representing East Berlin were indirectly appointed by the city's magistrate, rather than being directly elected.

A Single-Party System

In practice, East Germany operated as a de facto one-party state. Voters were presented with a single, unified list of candidates presented by the National Front. This alliance was heavily dominated by the ruling Socialist Unity Party of Germany (SED). The electoral process offered citizens only the choice to approve or reject this predetermined slate, rather than selecting among competing parties or candidates.

Voter Participation

Official reports indicated a high level of voter participation, with a turnout of 98.41%. This figure represented a slight decrease of 0.09 percentage points compared to the previous election. The overwhelming majority of votes cast were in favor of the National Front's list.

Key Election Details

Election Date

The election took place on 17 October 1954.

Legislative Body

All 466 seats in the Volkskammer were up for election.

Alliance Dominance

The election featured a single list of candidates from the National Front, a coalition dominated by the Socialist Unity Party of Germany (SED).

Election Results

Volkskammer Mandates

The 1954 election saw the National Front secure all seats in the Volkskammer. The official results indicated overwhelming approval for the single list of candidates presented by the alliance.

1954–1958 Volkskammer Election Results
National Front
Party or alliance	Votes	%	Seats	+/–
	Socialist Unity Party of Germany	11,828,877	99.46	117	+7
	Free German Trade Union Federation		53	+4
	Christian Democratic Union		52	−15
	Liberal Democratic Party of Germany		52	−14
	National Democratic Party of Germany		52	+17
	Democratic Farmers' Party of Germany		52	+19
	Democratic Women's League of Germany		29	+9
	Free German Youth		29	+4
	Cultural Association of the GDR		18	−6
	Peasants Mutual Aid Association		12	0
Against and invalid		63,972	0.54	–	–
Total		11,892,849	100.00	466	0
Total voters: 12,085,380 Turnout: 98.41% (0.09 pp)
Source: Dieter Nohlen & Philip Stöver

The National Front Alliance

Composition

The National Front was the sole political entity presenting candidates. It comprised several bloc parties and mass organizations, all operating under the leadership and ideological direction of the SED. While presented as a coalition, it functioned as a mechanism for consolidating power and ensuring unanimous support for the ruling party's agenda.

Constituent Organizations

The primary organizations within the National Front included:

Socialist Unity Party of Germany (SED)
Free German Trade Union Federation (FDGB)
Christian Democratic Union (CDU)
Liberal Democratic Party of Germany (LDPD)
National Democratic Party of Germany (NDPD)
Democratic Farmers' Party of Germany (DBD)
Democratic Women's League of Germany (DFD)
Free German Youth (FDJ)
Cultural Association of the GDR
Peasants Mutual Aid Association (VVH)

Each organization contributed candidates to the unified list, reflecting the broad, albeit controlled, spectrum of societal representation claimed by the state.

Leadership

Key Figures

The political leadership of East Germany remained consistent through this period. Otto Grotewohl served as the Chairman of the Council of Ministers before and after the election, indicating continuity in the government's executive leadership.

Walter Ulbricht, a dominant figure in the SED, was prominently associated with the election, representing the party's leadership.

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References

A full list of references for this article are available at the 1954 East German general election Wikipedia page

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This is not political or historical advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional historical research, political analysis, or consultation with experts in East German history or political science. Always refer to primary sources and consult with qualified professionals for specific academic or research needs. Never disregard professional advice because of something you have read on this website.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

The 1954 East German Election

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Election Overview 🇩🇪

🗳️ The Context

📜 A Single-Party System

📈 Voter Participation

Key Election Details 📊

🗓️ Election Date

🏛️ Legislative Body

👥 Alliance Dominance

Election Results 📈

📜 Volkskammer Mandates

The National Front Alliance 👥

🤝 Composition

🏛️ Constituent Organizations

Leadership 👤

👨‍💼 Key Figures

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Election Overview

The Context

A Single-Party System

Voter Participation

Key Election Details

Election Date

Legislative Body

Alliance Dominance

Election Results

Volkskammer Mandates

The National Front Alliance

Composition

Constituent Organizations

Leadership

Key Figures

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice