By summer 1926, former politicians, led by conservative José Sánchez Guerra, had been pressing the king to remove Primo de Rivera and restore constitutional government.

To demonstrate his public support, Primo de Rivera had ordered the UP to conduct a plebiscite in September.

Voters could endorse the regime or abstain.

About a third of those able to vote declined to go to the polls.

Nevertheless, buoyed by his victory, Primo de Rivera decides to create an entirely new political system.

On October 10, 1927, with the king in attendance, he opens a National Assembly.

Although they meet in the Cortes chamber, members of the regime-appointed assembly can only advise Primo de Rivera.

They have no legislative power.