1947 Gambian parliamentary election explained

Parliamentary elections were held in the Gambia in 1947 to elect the one elected member of the Legislative Council. It was the first time that the Council had had a directly elected representative.[1]

Background

In 1946 the Legislative Council was reorganised and increased in size from 11 to 14 members. It would consist of three ex-officio members, three officials, six appointees and one elected member.[2]

Results

The seat was won by Edward Francis Small,[3] the founder of the Gambia Labour Union, who defeated I.M. Garba-Jahumpa (who later founded the Muslim Congress Party) and Sheikh Omar Fye.[4]

Notes and References

  1. Hughes, A. & Perfect, D. (1989) "Trade Unionism in the Gambia" African Affairs Vol. 88, No. 353 pp. 549-572
  2. [Dolf Sternberger]
  3. http://allafrica.com/stories/200702280825.html Gambia: On the Road to Independence
  4. http://www.accessgambia.com/information/history-independence-movement.html History of the Independence Movement