General elections were held in the Gilbert and Ellice Islands in 1967. All candidates ran as independents.[ 1]
Background
Earlier in the year the British government promulgated a new constitution for the islands, creating a House of Representatives to replace the Advisory Council . The new House of Representatives had 30 members, of which 23 were elected (19 from the Gilberts and four from Ellice Islands ),[ 2] ex officio members.[ 3]
In addition, the Executive Council was replaced with a Governing Council, to consist of five members of the House of Representatives (elected by the House) and two ex officio members.[ 3]
Results
Only three of the ten members of the former Advisory Council that contested the elections were elected.[ 4]
Official members
Position
Member
Assistant Resident Commissioner
D.G. Cudmore
Assistant Secretary, Personnel
J.B. McCaig
Attorney General
C.P. North-Coombes
Chief Medical Officer
E.P. Hamblett
Commissioner of Works
D.S. Short
Marine Superintendent
G.W. Sharp
Senior Assistant Secretary, Finance
M.D. Allen
Source: Pacific Islands Monthly
Aftermath
The new House of Representatives was opened by Resident Commissioner Val Andersen on 8 December 1967. Reuben Uatioa , who founded the Gilbertese National Party in 1965, was elected Chief Elected Member.[ 2] Edward Martin , Buren Ratieta , Iosia Taomia and Ioteba Tamuera Uriam ).[ 2]
A by-election was held for the Marakei seat in September 1968, which was won by Naboua Ratieta ,[ 5] Buren Ratieta .
References
