1974 Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands Constitutional Convention election

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]

Background

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.[2]

It was opposed by the Marshall Islands, whose District Legislature passed a resolution opposing participation in the convention in April.[2] As a result, only ten candidates contested the nine seats in the Marshall Islands, with two seats having no candidates.[1]

Results

Only one woman, Mary Lanwi, was elected to the Convention.[3]

Aftermath

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.[4]

Held in Saipan,[5] the Convention began on 12 July 1975 and lasted until 8 November.[6] Tosiwo Nakayama was elected president of the convention.[6]

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.[6] A president and vice president would be selected from the members serving four-year terms.[6]

References

1. Slowly to independence, or something Pacific Islands Monthly, July 1974, p13, 112
2. Micronesia's future in the melting pot Pacific Islands Monthly, June 1974, p13
3. Interview: Mary Lanwi Micronesian Reporter, Third Quarter 1975, p4
4. Marshalls' Election Upheld Highlights, 15 May 1975
5. News in a Nutshell Pacific Islands Monthly, September 1975, p6
6. Micronesians' blue-print making 'one nation of many islands' Pacific Islands Monthly, December 1975, pp6–8