Parliamentary elections were held in Norway in 1879.^[1] The elections were not held on a specific date, as the various cities and Amts held the election at their own choice.^[2] Instead, the elections stretched from June to several months later.^[2] Voting rights were highly limited, as women were not allowed to vote and there were strong restrictions on men's ability to vote.^[2] It has been estimated that only 2.5% of the population of Christiania (Oslo), and 4.6% of the national population, was eligible to vote.^[2][3] The national election turnout was 48.7% (85% in Christiania), and 114 representatives were elected for the Norwegian Parliament,^[3] an increase of three seats compared to the Storting elected in 1876.^[4]

While there were no official parties, two informal groups existed, namely Venstre, or "the Liberals" (de liberale), and Høire.^[2] The latter list was called Aftenpostens og Morgenbladets liste in Christiania.^[2] The Venstre opposition, led by Johan Sverdrup, gained popularity particularly in the districts, while Høire remained the most popular in the cities.^[2] In Christiania, the Aftenpostens og Morgenbladets liste won about 1,800 of the votes, while Venstre won about 600.^[2]