1979 New Hebridean general election

Politics of Vanuatu
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General elections were held in the New Hebrides on 14 November 1979, the last before independence the following year. The result was a victory for the Vanua'aku Pati, which won 25 of the 39 seats, with its partner party Natui Tanno winning one. Voter turnout was 90.3%.^[1]

Background[]

Prior to the elections, the was formed by former members of Tanunion and Natatok, as well as members of Nagriamel.^[2]

Results[]

Aftermath[]

After it was announced that the Vanua'aku Pati had also won a majority on the regional assembly election of Espiritu Santo were announced, supporters of Nagriamel and Tabwemasana took to the streets with weapons to tell immigrants to leave the island. Almost 360 people took sanctuary in the Anglican church compound and around 350–500 people fled the island.^[4]

On 29 November the Representative Assembly elected Walter Lini as Chief Minister. Lini received 26 votes, defeating who received three; three members abstained and seven MHAs from Espiritu Santo boycotted the session, claiming there had been electoral fraud.^[4]

See also[]

• List of members of the Parliament of Vanuatu (1979–1983)

References[]