General elections were held in Tuvalu on 27 August 1977.[1] As there were no political parties, all candidates ran as independents, with Toaripi Lauti remaining Chief Minister. Voter turnout was 78.8%.

Background

Following a 1974 referendum, the Ellice Islands separated from the Gilbert and Ellice Islands. The Tuvaluan Order 1975, which took effect on 1 October 1975, recognised Tuvalu as a separate British dependency with its own government. The second stage occurred on 1 January 1976 when separate administrations were created out of the civil service of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands.[2]

A new House of Assembly was established with eight members. Prior to the 1977 elections, the number was increased to twelve. The four islands with a population of over 1,000 elected two members and the other four islands elected one member.[3]

Results

Minister Isakaia Paeniu lost his seat.[4]

PartyVotes%Seats
Independents12
Total12
Total votes2,256
Registered voters/turnout2,86278.83
Source: Nohlen et al.

Elected members

Constituency Member
FunafutiToaripi Lauti
Elia Tavita
Nanumaga
NanumeaMotofoua Feso
Maheu Naniseni
NiutaoTepepe Papua
Tomu Sione
NuiSione Tui Kleis
Nukufetau
NukulaelaeHenry Naisali
VaitupuTomasi Puapua
Taui Finikaso

Aftermath

Following the elections, Toaripi Lauti was re-elected Chief Minister on 1 October.[5] The House of the Assembly was renamed the Parliament of Tuvalu after independence in October 1978.[6]

References

  1. Dieter Nohlen, Florian Grotz & Christof Hartmann (2001) Elections in Asia: A data handbook, Volume II, p829 ISBN 0-19-924959-8
  2. Tito Isala, Hugh Larcy, ed. (1983). "Chapter 20, Secession and Independence". Tuvalu: A History. University of the South Pacific/Government of Tuvalu. p. 169.
  3. Tuvalu elections Pacific Islands Monthly, September 1977, p20
  4. Tuvalu elections Pacific Islands Monthly, October 1977, p18
  5. Tito Isala, Hugh Larcy, ed. (1983). "Chapter 20, Secession and Independence". Tuvalu: A History. University of the South Pacific/Government of Tuvalu. pp. 169–173.
  6. "Palamene o Tuvalu (Parliament of Tuvalu)" (PDF). Inter-Parliamentary Union. 1981. Retrieved 7 March 2013.
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