1976 Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands parliamentary election

Parliamentary elections were held in the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands on 2 November 1976, except in Palau, where they were delayed until 7 December due to a legal challenge over redistricting.[1] They were the last territory-wide elections; the planned elections in 1978 were cancelled as the territory was split into the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands and Palau.[2]

Electoral system

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The bicameral Congress consisted of a 12-member Senate with two members from each of the six districts and a 22-member House of Representatives with seats apportioned to each district based on their population – seven from Truk, five from the Marshall Islands, four from Ponape, three from Palau, two from Yap and one from the new district of Kosrae. The Marianas district (which had previously elected three representatives) ceased to exist when the Northern Mariana Islands became a US commonwealth in 1975.

Elections were held every two years in November of even-numbered years, with all members of the House of Representatives and half the Senate (one member from each district) renewed at each election. Two senators were elected from the new district of Kosrae in 1976.

Results

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Senate

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District Elected Member Notes
Kosrae Joab Sigrah Previously a representative
Hirosi Ismael
Marshalls Wilfred Kendall Re-elected
Palau Kaleb Udui
Ponape Bailey Olter Re-elected
Truk Tosiwo Nakayama Re-elected
Yap John Mangefel Re-elected
Source: Highlights, Highlights

House of Representatives

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District Constituency Elected Member Notes
Kosrae 1st District Kasuo Isisaki
Marshalls 1st District John Heine
2nd District Chuji Chutaro
3rd District Ekpap Silk Re-elected
4th District Ruben Zackhras
5th District Ataji Balos Re-elected
Palau 1st District Kuniwo Nakamura Re-elected
2nd District Polycarp Basilius Re-elected
3rd District Isidoro Rudimch Re-elected
Ponape 1st District Daro Weital
2nd District Kikuo Apis
3rd District Edgar Edwards Re-elected
4th District Bethwel Henry Re-elected
Truk 1st District Sasauo Haruo Re-elected
2nd District Chiro Albert
3rd District Julio Akapito
4th District Raymond Setik Re-elected
5th District Lambert Aafin Re-elected
6th District Hans Wiliander
7th District Kalisto Refonopei Re-elected
Yap 1st District Luke M. Tman Re-elected
2nd District John Haglelgam Re-elected
Source: Highlights, Highlights

Aftermath

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Following the elections, Tosiwo Nakayama was re-elected President of the Senate, whilst Bethwel Henry was re-elected Speaker of the House of Representatives.[3]

References

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  1. ^ COM Election Results Tabulated Highlights, 15 November 1976, p2
  2. ^ Elections Coming Up Highlights, 1 November 1978, p2
  3. ^ COM Organizes, Elects Officers Highlights, 15 January 1977, p3