1964 Papua New Guinean general election
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 New Guinea portal |
General elections were held in the Territory of Papua and New Guinea between 15 February and 15 March 1964. They were the first elections in the territory held under universal suffrage. Voter turnout among enrolled voters was 65%.[1]
Background
[edit]In March 1962 the Papua New Guinea Select Committee on Political Development was set up to identify future amendments to political arrangements in the territory. Following the visit of a United Nations mission that proposed a 100-member legislature, the committee toured the territory in September and October, taking evidence from over 450 residents. An interim report was presented to the Legislative Council in October, and subsequently approved by the Australian government.[2]
The 37-member Legislative Council (which had only twelve elected members) was replaced with a 64-member House of Assembly. The new legislature had 10 official members (civil servants) and 54 elected members, of which 10 were elected from reserved constituencies in which only Europeans (who numbered around 25,000 of the total population of around two million) could be candidates; Europeans could also run in the non-reserved constituencies.[2][3] Voters cast two votes; one for a general constituency candidate and one for a reserved constituency candidate.[3] The voting age was set at 21.[4] The electoral roll was created over several months in 1963, with field staff of the Native Affairs Department visiting over 12,000 villages and recording the names of all adults in the territory, except in an area of 6,000 square miles that were classed as "restricted" due to the likelihood of being attacked by the inhabitants.[4][5] A total of 1,029,192 voters were registered.[6]
Candidates were required to have lived in their constituency for at least 12 months, and to have a home there.[7] A preferential voting system was used,[4] with candidates required to gain a majority to be elected.[8]
Campaign
[edit]A total of 299 candidates contested the 54 seats, of which 238 were indigenous and 61 Europeans; 31 of the Europeans contested the 10 reserved seats and 30 ran in the general constituencies.[9] One seat – North Markham Reserved – had only one candidate (Horrie Niall), who was elected unopposed.[9]
Ten of the twelve MLCs elected in 1961 ran for re-election, with only John Chipper and Paul Mason not standing.[9] Three of the candidates for the general constituencies were former or present cargo cult leaders, Francis Hagai, Paliau Maloat and Yali.[9] Although Yali ran in the Rai Coast constituency, numerous voters in the neighbouring Madang constituency attempted to vote for him, submitting blank votes after being told he was not on their ballot.[10]
Results
[edit]Of the 44 open constituencies, 38 were won by indigenous candidates and six by Europeans.[11] 35 of the 38 indigenous members were new to the legislature, with only Nicholas Brokam, John Guise and Pita Simogun having previously been members of the Legislative Council.[11] Four of the 16 Europeans had previously been MLCs.[11]
Preference votes only changed the result in five of the 44 open constituencies.[12]
| Open constituencies | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Constituency | Candidate | Final preference count |
Notes |
| Angoram (19,676 registered) |
John Pasquarelli | 6,723 | Elected |
| William Eichhorn | 6,495 | ||
| Sumbiri Kwoiyan | 3,649 | ||
| Bonjui Pius | 2,994 | ||
| Sumare Sana | 1,600 | ||
| Yambunbei Walinga | 1,388 | ||
| Mas Niangri | 936 | ||
| Olimei Nausambin | 753 | ||
| Billy Kiton | 486 | ||
| Kontrak Nokan | 459 | ||
| Stephen Wingu | 298 | ||
| Bougainville (30,311 registered) |
Paul Lapun | 13,638 | Elected |
| Anton Kearei | 4,810 | ||
| Severinus Ampaoi | 4,700 | ||
| Andrew Komoro | 4,255 | ||
| John Hakena | 1,948 | ||
| Francis Hagai | 1,667 | ||
| Nelson Laiisi Iaru | 1,206 | ||
| Matevisiana Maikol Witoi | 408 | ||
| John Ambrose Karuah Keisen | 197 | ||
| Chimbu (27,645 registered) |
Waiye Siune | 3,415 | Elected |
| Josep Kauga | 3,205 | ||
| Kondom Agaundo | 2,840 | ||
| Aulakua Wemin | 2,085 | ||
| Willie Kunauna | 1,145 | ||
| Kugame Amug | 817 | ||
| Juainde lual | 619 | ||
| Kambua Mongia | 522 | ||
| Karil Bonggere | 499 | ||
| Kwatininem Kuman | 324 | ||
| Nindikay Pagau | 180 | ||
| Chuave (25,098 registered) |
Yauwi Wauwe | 8,245 | Elected |
| Launa Mewea | 2,797 | ||
| Kelaka Eremoke | 2,524 | ||
| Brian Heagney | 2,383 | ||
| Dreikikir (23,462 registered) |
Pita Lus | 8,620 | Elected |
| Waiu Weimba | 7,274 | ||
| Bilpal Masakim | 3,841 | ||
| Joseph Langu | 3,196 | ||
| Nohunga Umbu'ha | 1,922 | ||
| Andahiga Nauli | 622 | ||
| East New Britain (19,850 registered) |
Koriam Urekit | 7,217 | Elected |
| Vin ToBaining | 2,433 | ||
| Stanis Boramilat | 2,390 | ||
| Napitalai Tolirom | 723 | ||
| Tomeriba Tomakala | 700 | ||
| Longkurumia Joseph | 470 | ||
| Esa'ala Losuia (23,330 registered) |
Lepani Watson | 7,825 | Elected |
| Kelemalisi Clem Rich | 3,199 | ||
| Goweli Taurega | 2,109 | ||
| Pologa Leatani Baloiloi | 1,045 | ||
| Jack Wilkinson | 649 | ||
| Wilson Dobunaba | 566 | ||
| Finschhafen (21,059 registered) |
Zure Makili Zurecnuoc | 8,029 | Elected |
| Somu Sigob | 4,370 | ||
| Meek Singiliong | 2,727 | ||
| Oku Zongetsia | 1,160 | ||
| Jack Roy Smith | 1,015 | ||
| Ompampawe | 823 | ||
| Taikone Buyumbun | 515 | ||
| Fly River (16,243 registered) |
Robert Tabua | 6,765 | Elected |
| Arthur Wyborn | 4,698 | ||
| Simoi Paradi | 2,307 | ||
| Paho (Paho-Wageba) | 1,539 | ||
| Jacob Wamabon | 1,212 | ||
| Goroka (29,440 registered) |
Sinake Giregire | 7,657 | Elected |
| John Wells | 6,567 | ||
| Sapume Kofikai | 5,240 | ||
| Bimai Palae | 3,823 | ||
| Akepa Miakwei | 2,875 | ||
| Duwe Afiyai | 1,732 | ||
| John Akunai | 1,150 | ||
| Ikeivannima Gia | 1,084 | ||
| Soso Subi | 775 | ||
| Madang Obuseri | 600 | ||
| Bin Aravaki | 467 | ||
| Gulf (21,662 registered) |
Keith Tetley | 6,640 | Elected |
| Sawaleba | 5,862 | ||
| V. B. Counsel | 3,730 | ||
| Samai Nahomu | 1,845 | ||
| Boruwo Kauwamu | 1,109 | ||
| Morea Pekoro | 705 | ||
| Gumine (23,601 registered) |
Graham Pople | 7,719 | Elected |
| Ninkama Bomai | 2,421 | ||
| Hagen (24,814 registered) |
Keith Levy | 12,274 | Elected |
| Pena Ou | 8,159 | ||
| Kup Ogut | 4,563 | ||
| Komo Dei | 1,604 | ||
| John Colman | 1,481 | ||
| Henganofi (20,424 registered) |
Ugi Biritu | 9,228 | Elected |
| Bono Azanifa | 8,299 | ||
| Pupuna Aruno | 3,822 | ||
| Posi Latara'oi | 1,772 | ||
| Forapi Maunori | 787 | ||
| Ialibu (26,833 registered) |
Koitaga Mano | 11,498 | Elected |
| Turi Wari | 3,443 | ||
| Karia (Wanu) | 3,072 | ||
| Tua Piya | 1,913 | ||
| Puruba Wambi | 1,090 | ||
| Piliembo Ugu | 670 | ||
| Poi'ia Ibubu | 463 | ||
| Iamuna Windi | 118 | ||
| Ata Lenga | 40 | ||
| Kainantu (23,291 registered) |
Barry Holloway | 8,350 | Elected |
| Touke Mareka | 2,859 | ||
| Ono Aia | 2,644 | ||
| Akila Inivigo | 2,352 | ||
| Manki Kaoti | 2,049 | ||
| To'ito Simau'ampe | 1,165 | ||
| Kaindi (27,221 registered) |
Bill Bloomfield | 9,007 | Elected |
| David Iti | 6,407 | ||
| Anani Maniau | 3,974 | ||
| Su Kate (Kekalem) | 1,842 | ||
| Isom Kaia (Phillip) | 1,780 | ||
| Ninga Yamung | 1,379 | ||
| Leiwa Monbong | 939 | ||
| Mangi Iom | 388 | ||
| James William Gould | 254 | ||
| Kerowagi (18,951 registered) |
Siwi Kurondo | 8,409 | Elected |
| Wena Amugl | 5,902 | ||
| Asuwe Kawage | 1,615 | ||
| Urambo Gomangogl | 1,276 | ||
| Kutubu (18,461 registered) |
Tambu Melo | 8,047 | Elected |
| Wayabo Awa | 5,391 | ||
| Konifabu Iore | 2,918 | ||
| Kiras Tombala | 1,077 | ||
| Lae (28,118 registered) |
Singin Pasom | 10,428 | Elected |
| Kahu Sugoho | 7,041 | ||
| Kobubu Airia | 4,419 | ||
| Christian Gwang | 2,693 | ||
| Silas Kamake | 1,340 | ||
| Lagaip (21,990 registered) |
Poio Iuri | 9,243 | Elected |
| Nenk Pasu | 5,153 | ||
| Liopa Momabu | 3,522 | ||
| Kora Wabe | 1,073 | ||
| Lakekamu | Ehava Karava | 6,258 | Elected |
| Alan Baupua | 4,323 | ||
| Kevin Alphonse Kassman | 1,438 | ||
| Lumi (21,532 registered) |
Makain Mo | 7,526 | Elected |
| Misama Warambor | 5,758 | ||
| Mans Solmin | 3,460 | ||
| Waringli Amaraho | 2,912 | ||
| Bun Wasau | 1,898 | ||
| Paine Maiyene | 1,304 | ||
| Madang (27,284 registered) |
Suguman Matibri | 7,481 | Elected |
| Bato Bultin | 6,701 | ||
| Shirley Ann Mackellar | 2,816 | ||
| Manus (9,121 registered) |
Paliau Maloat | 3,357 | Elected |
| Joseph Malai | 2,713 | ||
| Peter Pomat | 1,203 | ||
| John Mohei | 510 | ||
| Cholai Popinau | 208 | ||
| Joel Maiah | 127 | ||
| Maprik (21,850 registered) |
Pita Tamindei | 7,799 | Elected |
| Boigun Raki | 5,837 | ||
| Kumasi Manga | 4,611 | ||
| Stefan Mairabi | 3,040 | ||
| Godfried Wogiamungu | 2,396 | ||
| Namani Anjabia | 1,554 | ||
| Markham (20,608 registered) |
Gaudi Mirau | 6,431 | Elected |
| Tom Leahy | 6,165 | ||
| Bruce Reginald Jephcott | 4,404 | ||
| Timas Paia | 3,417 | ||
| Malangan Fridolin | 2,924 | ||
| Tataeng Nabia | 1,166 | ||
| Mendi (28,557 registered) |
Momei Pangial | 8,426 | Elected |
| Komia Dualt | 5,289 | ||
| Ebi Wali | 1,452 | ||
| Hananel Tiol | 1,007 | ||
| Iebil Kalt | 2,051 | ||
| Milne Bay (25,071 registered) |
John Guise | 17,045 | Elected |
| Bob Bunting | 1,990 | ||
| Osineru Dickson | 564 | ||
| Albert Munt | 137 | ||
| Minj (30,887 registered) |
Kaibelt Diria | 8,568 | Elected |
| Ian Parsons | 6,715 | ||
| Nopnop Tol | 5,291 | ||
| Paulus Waine | 1,782 | ||
| Brian Corrigan | 379 | ||
| Moresby (28,502 registered) |
Eriko Rarupu | 8,867 | Elected |
| Oala Oala-Rarua | 6,243 | ||
| Bia Maini | 3,057 | ||
| Colin J. Sefton | 2,008 | ||
| John Martin | 1,484 | ||
| Bill Dihm Junior | 1,298 | ||
| Kaita Kau | 1,250 | ||
| Willie Gavera | 1,119 | ||
| Bill Stansfield | 535 | ||
| Ana Frank | 273 | ||
| Weina Babaga | 157 | ||
| Daera Ganiga | 146 | ||
| New Ireland (23,752 registered) |
Nicholas Brokam | 6,768 | Elected |
| Peter Murray | 5,197 | ||
| Joseph Watori | 3,550 | ||
| Tovin Kiapsolo | 2,928 | ||
| Bruno Kroening | 946 | ||
| Magilang | 727 | ||
| Okapa (18,571 registered) |
Muriso Warebu | 7,322 | Elected |
| Kangeto Yabise | 3,440 | ||
| Kege Yasinamo | 1,909 | ||
| Mangko Yai | 1,546 | ||
| Asa Kabo | 807 | ||
| Popondetta (24,869 registered) |
Edric Eupu | 8,679 | Elected |
| Paulus Arek | 5,704 | ||
| Conway Sesewo Ihove | 4,511 | ||
| Philip Undaba | 1,216 | ||
| Cedric Siebel | 931 | ||
| Rabaul (23,639 registered) |
Matthias Toliman | 7,282 | Elected |
| Epineri Titimur | 5,310 | ||
| Nason Tokiala | 2,400 | ||
| Tomari Topakana | 568 | ||
| Lawrence Tolavutul | 270 | ||
| Rai Coast (26,806 registered) |
Stoi Umut | 9,183 | Elected |
| A Tarosi | 3,789 | ||
| Yali Singina | 2,583 | ||
| Lotu Lisa | 1,701 | ||
| Batta Yamai | 1,377 | ||
| Langong Sungai | 526 | ||
| John Kikang | 271 | ||
| Medaing Gulungor | 47 | ||
| Gau Jabile | 18 | ||
| Ramu (29,269 registered) |
James Meanggarum | 9,133 | Elected |
| Watson Griffith Hall | 6,969 | ||
| Tom Maguna | 4,498 | ||
| John Bareng Mundau | 3,064 | ||
| Rigo–Abau (20,608 registered) |
Dirona Abe | 6,366 | Elected |
| Scotty Uroe | 3,923 | ||
| Enoka Tom | 3,263 | ||
| Cliff Ianamu | 3,065 | ||
| John Meikle | 1,899 | ||
| Les Farley | 1,220 | ||
| Veratau Reuben | 710 | ||
| Tari (22,672 registered) |
Handabe Tiabe | 11,537 | Elected |
| Pungwa Tiri | 11,154 | ||
| Andagari Wabiria | 6,054 | ||
| Megelia Babagi | 3,903 | ||
| Tagobe (John) | 3,497 | ||
| Matthew Mapiria (Yaliga) | 1,223 | ||
| Upper Sepik (18,491 registered) |
Wegra Kenu | 7,304 | Elected |
| Wesani Iboksimnok | 5,244 | ||
| Ondrias Augwi | 3,522 | ||
| Mason Ambunyigi | 1,619 | ||
| Fatemboko Kauminja | 1,107 | ||
| Wabag (23,411 registered) |
Tei Abal | 7,861 | Elected |
| Punaben Minsakoli | 3,506 | ||
| Kibunki Tomben | 2,190 | ||
| Timon Rot | 1,831 | ||
| Wapenamanda (23,834 registered) |
Leme Iangalo | 9,001 | Elected |
| Traimya Manyingiwa | 4,698 | ||
| Erikio Karok | 2,862 | ||
| Powai Kikya | 1,949 | ||
| Ian Kleinig | 1,062 | ||
| West New Britain (19,109 registered) |
Pael Manlel | 6,889 | Elected |
| Kaiwa Theodore Laula | 5,970 | ||
| Lima (Yohanis) Larebo | 2,334 | ||
| Hans Wetzel | 3,321 | ||
| Aisapu Talavi (Ganor) | 2,664 | ||
| Joe Reio (Reu Mauta) | 1,857 | ||
| Tel Kaumu (Kulu) | 1,193 | ||
| Lantene Koha | 1,074 | ||
| Boas Kulei Galia | 680 | ||
| Wewak–Aitape (23,069 registered) |
Pita Simogun | 10,615 | Elected |
| Bais Yembinangra | 6,063 | ||
| Brere Awol | 4,581 | ||
| George Panao | 2,581 | ||
| Pita Kamara | 144 | ||
| Jim Simbago | 422 | ||
| Reserved constituencies | |||
| Central | Percy Chatterton | 6,602 | Elected |
| Ron Brennan | 5,598 | ||
| Andy Anderson | 3,535 | ||
| Bert Pikett | 2,957 | ||
| Charles Kilduff | 819 | ||
| Kay Ashcroft-Smith | 429 | ||
| East Papua | John Stuntz | 35,833 | Elected |
| Kevin Fletcher | 8,564 | ||
| M. A. Lakin | 5,164 | ||
| Highlands | Ian Downs | 126,457 | Elected |
| Dennis Buchanan | 38,769 | ||
| Madang–Sepik | Frank Martin | 68,281 | Elected |
| Kepten Flevel | 44,084 | ||
| John Middleton | 34,395 | ||
| New Britain | Roy Ashton | 12,741 | Elected |
| Tom Garrett | 6,517 | ||
| Ron Levi | 4,618 | ||
| Blue Morris | 2,954 | ||
| New Guinea Islands | Jim Grose | 22,786 | Elected |
| Gordon Smith | 4,793 | ||
| Harry Croyden | 9,090 | ||
| North Markham | Horrie Niall | – | Elected |
| South Markham | Graham Gilmore | 9,311 | Elected |
| Lloyd Hurrell | 8,963 | ||
| Mick Casey | 5,658 | ||
| West Gazelle | Don Barrett | 6,407 | Elected |
| Albert Price | 5,021 | ||
| Harry Spanner | 3,021 | ||
| Keith Edwin Cummings | 2,217 | ||
| West Papua | Ron Neville | 68,335 | Elected |
| Ron Slaughter | 38,950 | ||
| Source: Pacific Islands Monthly | |||
Official members
[edit]| Position | Member |
|---|---|
| Assistant Administrator (Economic Affairs) | Harold Reeve |
| Assistant Administrator (Services) | John Gunther |
| Director of Agriculture, Stock and Fisheries | Frank Henderson |
| Director of Education | Les Johnson |
| Director of Native Affairs | John Keith McCarthy |
| Director of Posts and Telegraphs | William Frederick Carter |
| Director of Trade and Industry | Geoffrey Desmond Cannon |
| Secretary for Labour | Noel John Mason |
| Secretary for Law | Walter William Watkins |
| Treasurer | Anthony Philip Newman |
| Source: Pacific Islands Monthly | |
Aftermath
[edit]Following the elections, the requirement under electoral law for candidates to achieve an absolute majority of votes in their constituency to be elected became a controversial issue; as many voters did not use their preference votes, there were 32 constituencies where no candidate achieved a majority.[13] In April Mick Casey, a losing candidate in South Markham, notified the Electoral officer that he intended to file an appeal.[13] However, Casey did not file his appeal, and the electoral law was amended on 16 June to remove the requirement for an absolute majority.[14]
When the new House of Assembly met for the first time on 8 June, Horrie Niall was elected Speaker unopposed.[15] One of the first decisions made was that only English, Tok Pisin and Hiri Motu would be used in the Assembly, after Handabe Tiabe (who spoke none of the three languages) attempted to bring his translator into the chamber.[15]
The Administrator Donald Cleland subsequently appointed an Administrator's Council and ten Parliamentary Under-Secretaries from amongst the indigenous members.[16]
| Administrator's Council | |
|---|---|
| Position | Member |
| Officials | John Gunther |
| John Keith McCarthy | |
| Harold Reeve | |
| Elected members | Nicholas Brokam |
| Ian Downs | |
| John Guise | |
| John Stuntz | |
| Robert Tabua | |
| Matthias Toliman | |
| Zure Makili Zurecnuoc | |
| Parliamentary Under-Secretaries | |
| Position | Member |
| Administration | Matthias Toliman |
| Economic Affairs | Nicholas Brokam |
| Forests | Paul Lapun |
| Health | Dirona Abe |
| Lands | Edric Eupu |
| News and Information | John Guise |
| Police | Pita Simogun |
| Services | Sinake Giregire |
| Treasury | Zure Makili Zurecnuoc |
| Works | Robert Tabua |
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ NG Elections Pacific Islands Monthly, April 1964, p129
- ^ a b Big Increase In P-NG Council Planned As Next Step Towards Self-Government Pacific Islands Monthly, November 1962, p5
- ^ a b Desks Cleared for NG Common Roll and 64-Man Assembly Pacific Islands Monthly, June 1963, p15
- ^ a b c P-NG Elections, 1964: They're Preparing For The Territory's Greatest Extravaganza Pacific Islands Monthly, October 1963, pp19–23
- ^ P-NG Set For Biggest Pacific Election Pacific Islands Monthly, January 1964, p12
- ^ Full Details Of The Big New Guinea Elections Pacific Islands Monthly, May 1964, p113
- ^ P-NG LegCo Makes Way For New House Of Assembly Pacific Islands Monthly, October 1963, p15
- ^ New Polls Could Be Forced In 35 Electorates Pacific Islands Monthly, April 1964, p11
- ^ a b c d 300 Candidates for P-NG's First All-In Election Pacific Islands Monthly, February 1964, pp9–10
- ^ A Month Of Variety In New Guinea's Big Election Extravaganza Pacific Islands Monthly, March 1964, pp9–10
- ^ a b c Surprise To The Last In P-NG Election Pacific Islands Monthly, May 1964, p9
- ^ Benjamin Reilly (2001) Democracy in Divided Societies: Electoral Engineering for Conflict Management, Cambridge University Press, p71
- ^ a b Appeal Threat On P-NG Election Pacific Islands Monthly, May 1964, pp37–39
- ^ Bill "Removes Confusion" Pacific Islands Monthly, July 1964, p12
- ^ a b New P-NG Assembly Won't Be A Tame-Cat Affair Pacific Islands Monthly, July 1964, p42–44
- ^ First Under-Secretaries Are Best Of The Bunch Pacific Islands Monthly, July 1964, p47
External links
[edit]- The Papua-New Guinea Elections 1964 The Australian National University
