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1971 Gilbert and Ellice Islands general electionGeneral elections were held in the Gilbert and Ellice Islands on 19 March 1971.[1][2] BackgroundPrior 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)[3] and two civil servants.[4] CampaignA total of 110 candidates contested the 28 elected seats, all running as independents.[5] Of the 23 incumbent members, only 13 ran for re-election.[3] ResultsOnly five of the 23 incumbent MPs were re-elected, with eight of them losing their seat.[3] Tekarei Russell became the first female member of the legislature.[3] Director of Agriculture Ray Harberd and Director of Education Harry Urquhart were appointed as the two nominated official members.[3] AftermathThe new Legislative Council met for the first time on 14 April.[3] 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.[3]
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