Spalterwahl ('divisive election') of 5 December 1948
분할 선거 (Spalterwahl)
The name used by the Socialist Unity Party of Germany (SED) for the Greater Berlin city-council election held only in West Berlin's three Western occupation sectors on 5 December 1948. The exclusion of the eastern sector, alongside recognition of a separate magistrate in East Berlin, divided Berlin's previously unified municipal government between East and West.
In depth
The election took place during the Berlin Blockade. The SED declared the western poll illegitimate and did not participate, while the Social Democratic Party (SPD) won 64.5 percent and an absolute majority. Afterward, a West Berlin administration approved by the Western occupying powers coexisted with an East Berlin administration recognized by the Soviet military administration, making the election a political step in institutionalizing the city's division.
Related historical events
Sources
- Wikipedia (EN) (supports the SED designation Spalterwahl and the West Berlin-only context)
- de.wikipedia.org (supports the date, three-sector restriction, results, and competing East and West magistrates)
- fes.de (supports the December 1948 West-sector election, SPD's 64.5% result, and Ernst Reuter's election as mayor)