The Legislative Council had 130 members, of which 80 were elected and 50 appointed by the British authorities.[2] All citizens over the age of 18 were enfranchised as long as they met certain requirements.[3] Suffrage in the 44 rural constituencies was based on taxation - in Upper Burma voters had to pay household tax, whilst in Lower Burma they had to pay the married rate of capitation tax.[3] This requirement disenfranchised most of the peasantry.[2] In eight towns with urban constituencies the same requirements as for local elections were applied.[3] Of the country's 12 million population, only 1.8 million were eligible to vote,[2] as the Shan States and some border districts were not part of the election.[3] Separate seats were established for Karen, Eurasians and Europeans.[4]
Candidates had to be aged 25 or over.