1971 Gilbert and Ellice Islands general election
General elections were held in the Gilbert and Ellice Islands on 19 March 1971.[1]
Background
Prior to the elections constitutional changes saw the House of Representatives replaced with a 33-member Legislative Council consisting of 28 elected members, three ex officio members (the Assistant to the Resident Commissioner, the Attorney General and the Financial Secretary)[2] and two civil servants.[3]
Campaign
A total of 110 candidates contested the 28 elected seats, all running as independents.[4] Of the 23 incumbent members, only 13 ran for re-election.[2]
Results
Only five of the 23 incumbent MPs were re-elected, with eight of them losing their seat.[2] Tekarei Russell became the first female member of the legislature.[2] Director of Agriculture Ray Harberd and Director of Education Harry Urquhart were appointed as the two nominated official members.[2]
Aftermath
The new Legislative Council met for the first time on 14 April.[2] Reuben Uatioa was elected Leader of Government Business.[4] An Executive Council was subsequently appointed by Resident Commissioner John Osbaldiston Field after consultation with Uatioa.[2]
Executive Council | |
---|---|
Position | Member |
Leader of Government Business | Reuben Uatioa |
Member for Communications and Lands | Naboua Ratieta |
Member for Internal Affairs | Otiuea Tanentoa |
Member for Natural Resources | Isa Paeniu |
Member for Social Services | Bwebwetake Areieta |
References
- ^ Barrie Macdonald (1971) Policy and practice in an atoll territory: British rule in the Gilbert and Ellice Islands, 1892 – 1970
- ^ a b c d e f g New-look Gilbert and Ellice politics may spark ailing public interest Pacific Islands Monthly, May 1971, p24
- ^ Howard Van Trease (1993) Atoll Politics: The Republic of Kiribati, p8
- ^ a b Decolonization United Nations, July 1979