Constitutional Convention elections were held in the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands on 4 June 1974.[1] Voters elected 42 members of a constitutional convention that would draw up a proposed constitution for an independent Micronesian state.[1]
The TTPI Congress approved legislation for the convention in March 1974; the bill was subsequently signed into law by Deputy High Commissioner Peter Tali Coleman.
It was opposed by the Marshall Islands, whose District Legislature passed a resolution opposing participation in the convention in April.[2]
Following the elections, Congress attempted to declare the elections in the Marshall Islands null and void. However, the move was vetoed by High Commissioner Edward E. Johnston.[3]
Held in Saipan,[4] the Convention began on 12 July 1975 and lasted until 8 November.[5] Tosiwo Nakayama was elected president of the convention.[5]
Delegates drafted a constitution with 16 articles, providing for a unicameral legislature with each district electing one member for a four-year term and a number of representatives for two-year terms depending on their population.[5] A president and vice president would be selected from the members serving four-year terms.[5]