1877 New South Wales colonial election

The 1877 New South Wales colonial election was held between 24 October and 12 November 1877. This election was for all of the 73 seats in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly and it was conducted in 53 single-member constituencies, six 2-member constituencies and two 4-member constituencies, all with a first past the post system. Suffrage was limited to adult male British subjects, resident in New South Wales. The previous parliament of New South Wales was dissolved on 12 October 1877 by the Governor, Sir Hercules Robinson, on the advice of the Premier, Sir John Robertson.

1877 New South Wales colonial election

24 October 1877 – 12 November 1877
All 73 seats in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly 37 Assembly seats were needed for a majority
Leader Sir John Robertson Sir Henry Parkes Leader's seat West Sydney (defeated, elected for East Macquarie and Mudgee) East Sydney (elected for Canterbury)
Premier before election Sir John Robertson Elected Premier James Farnell

There was no recognisable party structure at this election; instead the government was determined by a loose, shifting factional system. Although the leaders of the main groupings at this election were Robertson and Sir Henry Parkes, the subsequent government was formed by James Farnell as a compromise Premier. Farnell's government lasted a year and two days.