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1964 Papua New Guinean general election

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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References

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  1. ^ NG Elections Pacific Islands Monthly, April 1964, p129
  2. ^ a b Big Increase In P-NG Council Planned As Next Step Towards Self-Government Pacific Islands Monthly, November 1962, p5
  3. ^ a b Desks Cleared for NG Common Roll and 64-Man Assembly Pacific Islands Monthly, June 1963, p15
  4. ^ a b c P-NG Elections, 1964: They're Preparing For The Territory's Greatest Extravaganza Pacific Islands Monthly, October 1963, pp19–23
  5. ^ P-NG Set For Biggest Pacific Election Pacific Islands Monthly, January 1964, p12
  6. ^ Full Details Of The Big New Guinea Elections Pacific Islands Monthly, May 1964, p113
  7. ^ P-NG LegCo Makes Way For New House Of Assembly Pacific Islands Monthly, October 1963, p15
  8. ^ New Polls Could Be Forced In 35 Electorates Pacific Islands Monthly, April 1964, p11
  9. ^ a b c d 300 Candidates for P-NG's First All-In Election Pacific Islands Monthly, February 1964, pp9–10
  10. ^ A Month Of Variety In New Guinea's Big Election Extravaganza Pacific Islands Monthly, March 1964, pp9–10
  11. ^ a b c Surprise To The Last In P-NG Election Pacific Islands Monthly, May 1964, p9
  12. ^ Benjamin Reilly (2001) Democracy in Divided Societies: Electoral Engineering for Conflict Management, Cambridge University Press, p71
  13. ^ a b Appeal Threat On P-NG Election Pacific Islands Monthly, May 1964, pp37–39
  14. ^ Bill "Removes Confusion" Pacific Islands Monthly, July 1964, p12
  15. ^ a b New P-NG Assembly Won't Be A Tame-Cat Affair Pacific Islands Monthly, July 1964, p42–44
  16. ^ First Under-Secretaries Are Best Of The Bunch Pacific Islands Monthly, July 1964, p47
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