Early parliamentary elections were held in Austria on 10 October 1971,Dieter Nohlen & Philip Stöver (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, p196 following electoral reforms intended to benefit smaller parties. The size of the National Council was increased from 165 to 183 members, and the proportionality of the seat distribution was increased as well.Nohlen & Stöver, p188M
The Socialist Party, which had governed in minority since 1970, won 93 of the 183 seats, a majority of three. Voter turnout was 92%.Nohlen & Stöver, p215 It was the first time that the Socialists had won an absolute majority at an election. They also won just over half of the vote, something no Austrian party had previously achieved in a free election. Socialist leader Bruno Kreisky continued as Chancellor.
Results
Results by state State SPÖ ÖVP FPÖ KPÖ ÖL - - - - - - - - Source: Institute for Social Research and Consulting (SORA)
References