General elections were held in the Gilbert and Ellice Islands on 19 March 1971.[1] [2]
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) and two civil servants.[3]
A total of 110 candidates contested the 28 elected seats, all running as independents. Of the 23 incumbent members, only 13 ran for re-election.
Only five of the 23 incumbent MPs were re-elected, with eight of them losing their seat. Tekarei Russell became the first female member of the legislature.[4] Director of Agriculture Ray Harberd and Director of Education Harry Urquhart were appointed as the two nominated official members.[4]
| Constituency | Elected member | |
|---|---|---|
| Abemama | Bauro Tokatake | |
| Beru | Otiuea Tanentoa | |
| Funafuti | Benjamin Kofe | |
| Kuria | Paul Binatake Tokatake | |
| Maiana | Bwebwetake Areieta | |
| Makin | Ibeata Tonganieia | |
| Marakei | Naboua Ratieta | |
| Nanumea | Telavi Fati | |
| Niutao | Tomu Sione | |
| Nui | Sione Tui Kleis | |
| Nukulaelae | Isa Paeniu | |
| South Tabiteuea | Bureua Kamaoto | |
| Urban Tarawa | Tekarei Russell | |
| Reuben Uatioa | ||
| Source: PIM, PIM, PIM, PIM | ||
The new Legislative Council met for the first time on 14 April.[4] Reuben Uatioa was elected Leader of Government Business.[5] An Executive Council was subsequently appointed by Resident Commissioner John Osbaldiston Field after consultation with Uatioa.[4]
| 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 | |