1849 Maltese general electionGeneral elections were held in Malta between 16 and 20 August 1849, the first in the country's history.BackgroundIn 1835, Malta was granted a Government Council by the British authorities. It consisted of the Governor, four officials and three members appointed by the governor. In June 1849 Governor Richard More O'Ferrall passed a new constitution that increased the Council to 18 members, of which ten would be appointed and eight elected.ResultsA total of 3,767 people were registered to vote, of which 3,315 cast votes, giving a turnout of 88%.