1976 Solomon Islands general election

General elections were held in the Solomon Islands on 22 June 1976.[1] Although contested by three political parties (the People's Progressive Party, the National Democratic Party and the Melanesian Action Party), the Independent Group emerged as the largest group in the Legislative Assembly, and elected Peter Kenilorea Chief Minister.[2]

Results

A total of 177 candidates contested the elections.[3] Only fourteen incumbent MLAs were re-elected, with two ministers – David Thuguvoda and Ashley Wickham – losing their seats.[4] Kenilorea was elected unopposed in East ꞌAreꞌare.[3]

The Independent Group won 15 of the 38 seats,[2] with the National Democratic Party winning eight.[5]

Aftermath

Following the elections, the Legislative Assembly elected the Chief Minister in mid-July,[6] with Kenilorea defeating incumbent Chief Minister Solomon Mamaloni by 21 votes to 16 in the seventh round of voting.[4] Kenilorea subsequently formed a new Council of Ministers.[7]

Position Minister
Chief MinisterPeter Kenilorea
Minister for Agriculture and LandSethuel Kelly
Minister for Education and Cultural AffairsMariano Kelesi
Minister for FinanceBenedict Kinika
Minister for Foreign Trade, Industry and LabourPulepada Ghemu
Minister for Health and WelfareDaniel Ho'ota
Minister of Home AffairsFrancis Billy Hilly
Minister for Works and Public UtilitiesJohn Tepaika

References

  1. Union fingers in ballot box Pacific Islands Monthly, June 1976, p17
  2. Dieter Nohlen, Florian Grotz & Christof Hartmann (2001) Elections in Asia: A data handbook, Volume II, p795 ISBN 0-19-924959-8
  3. Elections Solomon Islands Historical Encyclopaedia 1893–1978
  4. Rumbles in the Solomons: 'quake' feared in assembly Pacific Islands Monthly, December 1976, p16
  5. Party politics and government in Solomon Islands State Society and Governance in Melanesia
  6. Solomons independence talks in Nov. Pacific Islands Monthly, August 1976, p. 19
  7. A brand new look in the Solomons Pacific Islands Monthly, September 1976, p. 14
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