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Federal elections were held in Switzerland on 25 October 1896. The Free Democratic Party retained its majority in the National Council.^[1]

The 147 members of the National Council were elected in 52 single- and multi-member constituencies using a three-round system. Candidates had to receive a majority in the first or second round to be elected; if it went to a third round, only a plurality was required. Voters could cast as many votes as there were seats in their constituency.^[2] There was one seat for every 20,000 citizens, with seats allocated to cantons in proportion to their population.^[2]

Voter turnout was highest in Nidwalden at 90.3% (higher than the 89.3% in Schaffhausen where voting was compulsory) and lowest in Obwalden at 21.4%.

Party		Votes	%	Seats	+/–
	Free Democratic Party	181,028	48.73	86	+12
	Catholic People's Party	85,484	23.01	30	+1
	Liberal Centre	54,012	14.54	23	–4
	Democratic Group	19,946	5.37	7	–9
	Social Democratic Party	25,304	6.81	1	0
	Others	5,750	1.55	0	0
Total		371,524	100.00	147	0
Valid votes		371,524	93.29
Invalid/blank votes		26,701	6.71
Total votes		398,225	100.00
Registered voters/turnout		713,367	55.82
Source: Mackie & Rose,[3] BFS (seats)