General elections were held in Liechtenstein on 11 and 12 May 1898 to elect 12 of the 15 members of the Landtag. The twelve seats were indirectly elected by electors selected by voters in two constituencies, Oberland and Unterland, while the remaining three were appointed by Johann II, Prince of Liechtenstein.
Background The Landtag's term was characterized by a dispute between the Landtag and governor Friedrich Stellwag von Carion over the interpretation of the constitution in regards to publish resolutions from the Landtag in the newspaper Liechtensteiner Volksblatt without approval from the governor. From September 1894, Carion ordered the Volksblatt to not publish communications from the Landtag, arguing that it fell under the sole responsibility of the government.
The dispute became a full conflict between Carion and the Landtag in July 1895, leading to Johann II, Prince of Liechtenstein adjourning the Landtag the following month. The prince sent former governor Carl von In der Maur to Liechtenstein where he was able to facilitate a compromise between Carion and the Landtag in a return to the status quo — the minutes of the Landtag would be published by mutual agreement.
Electors Electors were selected through elections that were held between 28 April and 93 May in two electoral districts, Oberland and Unterland; they elected 118 and 74 electors respectively. Each municipality had two electors for every 100 inhabitants. All male citizens aged 24 and above were eligible to vote.
MunicipalityElectors+/–Balzers260Eschen220Gamprin80Mauren220Planken20Ruggell120Schaan220Schellenberg100Triesen220Triesenberg240Vaduz220Total1920Source: Vogt
Results The election of Oberland's Landtag members and their deputies was held on 11 May in Vaduz. Of Oberland's 118 electors, 117 were present for voting; Oberland elected seven Landtag members and four deputies. The election of Unterland's Landtag members and substitutes was held on 12 May in Mauren. All 74 of Unterland's electors were present for voting; Unterland elected five Landtag members and one deputy.
The Landtag members and their deputies were elected in three ballots, with the remaining three being appointed by Johann II on 20 May. There were no political parties and the election of members was almost entirely focused on an individual's personality. Electoral districtSeatsElectorsTurnoutBallotsElected membersElected substitutesOberland71181171st–2nd–Franz Josef Biedermann3rd–Unterland574741stGebhard Schädler2nd––3rd––Source: Vogt did not accept his election, thus Meinrad Ospelt was substituted in as a full member. Franz Josef Biedermann also declined his election as a deputy member.
Appointed by the prince Appointed memberMunicipalityMeinrad OspeltVaduzJosef BeckSchaanFranz Josef BiedermannSchellenbergSource: Vogt
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