1964 Papua New Guinean general election

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]

Papua New Guinea
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Background

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

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

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 Pasquarelli6,723Elected
William Eichhorn6,495
Sumbiri Kwoiyan3,649
Bonjui Pius2,994
Sumare Sana1,600
Yambunbei Walinga1,388
Mas Niangri936
Olimei Nausambin753
Billy Kiton486
Kontrak Nokan459
Stephen Wingu298
Bougainville
(30,311 registered)		Paul Lapun13,638Elected
Anton Kearei4,810
Severinus Ampaoi4,700
Andrew Komoro4,255
John Hakena1,948
Francis Hagai1,667
Nelson Laiisi Iaru1,206
Matevisiana Maikol Witoi408
John Ambrose Karuah Keisen197
Chimbu
(27,645 registered)		Waiye Siune3,415Elected
Josep Kauga3,205
Kondom Agaundo2,840
Aulakua Wemin2,085
Willie Kunauna1,145
Kugame Amug817
Juainde lual619
Kambua Mongia522
Karil Bonggere499
Kwatininem Kuman324
Nindikay Pagau180
Chuave
(25,098 registered)		Yauwi Wauwe8,245Elected
Launa Mewea2,797
Kelaka Eremoke2,524
Brian Heagney2,383
Dreikikir
(23,462 registered)		Pita Lus8,620Elected
Waiu Weimba7,274
Bilpal Masakim3,841
Joseph Langu3,196
Nohunga Umbu'ha1,922
Andahiga Nauli622
East New Britain
(19,850 registered)		Koriam Urekit7,217Elected
Vin Tobaining2,433
Stanis Boramilat2,390
Napitalai Tolirom723
Tomeriba Tomakala700
Longkurumia Joseph470
Esa'ala Losuia
(23,330 registered)		Lepani Watson7,825Elected
Kelemalisi Clem Rich3,199
Goweli Taurega2,109
Pologa Leatani Baloiloi1,045
Jack Wilkinson649
Wilson Dobunaba566
Finschhafen
(21,059 registered)		Zure Makili Zurecnuoc8,029Elected
Somu Sigob4,370
Meek Singiliong2,727
Oku Zongetsia1,160
Jack Roy Smith1,015
Ompampawe823
Taikone Buyumbun515
Fly River
(16,243 registered)		Robert Tabua6,765Elected
Arthur Wyborn4,698
Simoi Paradi2,307
Paho (Paho-Wageba)1,539
Jacob Wamabon1,212
Goroka
(29,440 registered)		Sinake Giregire7,657Elected
John Wells6,567
Sapume Kofikai5,240
Bimai Palae3,823
Akepa Miakwei2,875
Duwe Afiyai1,732
John Akunai1,150
Ikeivannima Gia1,084
Soso Subi775
Madang Obuseri600
Bin Aravaki467
Gulf
(21,662 registered)		Keith Tetley6,640Elected
Sawaleba5,862
V. B. Counsel3,730
Samai Nahomu1,845
Boruwo Kauwamu1,109
Morea Pekoro705
Gumine
(23,601 registered)		Graham Pople7,719Elected
Ninkama Bomai2,421
Hagen
(24,814 registered)		Keith Levy12,274Elected
Pena Ou8,159
Kup Ogut4,563
Komo Dei1,604
John Colman1,481
Henganofi
(20,424 registered)		Ugi Biritu9,228Elected
Bono Azanifa8,299
Pupuna Aruno3,822
Posi Latara'oi1,772
Forapi Maunori787
Ialibu
(26,833 registered)		Koitaga Mano11,498Elected
Turi Wari3,443
Karia (Wanu)3,072
Tua Piya1,913
Puruba Wambi1,090
Piliembo Ugu670
Poi'ia Ibubu463
Iamuna Windi118
Ata Lenga40
Kainantu
(23,291 registered)		Barry Holloway8,350Elected
Touke Mareka2,859
Ono Aia2,644
Akila Inivigo2,352
Manki Kaoti2,049
To'ito Simau'ampe1,165
Kaindi
(27,221 registered)		Bill Bloomfield9,007Elected
David Iti6,407
Anani Maniau3,974
Su Kate (Kekalem)1,842
Isom Kaia (Phillip)1,780
Ninga Yamung1,379
Leiwa Monbong939
Mangi Iom388
James William Gould254
Kerowagi
(18,951 registered)		Siwi Kurondo8,409Elected
Wena Amugl5,902
Asuwe Kawage1,615
Urambo Gomangogl1,276
Kutubu
(18,461 registered)		Tambu Melo8,047Elected
Wayabo Awa5,391
Konifabu Iore2,918
Kiras Tombala1,077
Lae
(28,118 registered)		Singin Pasom10,428Elected
Kahu Sugoho7,041
Kobubu Airia4,419
Christian Gwang2,693
Silas Kamake1,340
Lagaip
(21,990 registered)		Poio Iuri9,243Elected
Nenk Pasu5,153
Liopa Momabu3,522
Kora Wabe1,073
LakekamuEhava Karava6,258Elected
Alan Baupua4,323
Kevin Alphonse Kassman1,438
Lumi
(21,532 registered)		Makain Mo7,526Elected
Misama Warambor5,758
Mans Solmin3,460
Waringli Amaraho2,912
Bun Wasau1,898
Paine Maiyene1,304
Madang
(27,284 registered)		Suguman Matibri7,481Elected
Bato Bultin6,701
Shirley Ann Mackellar2,816
Manus
(9,121 registered)		Paliau Maloat3,357Elected
Joseph Malai2,713
Peter Pomat1,203
John Mohei510
Cholai Popinau208
Joel Maiah127
Maprik
(21,850 registered)		Pita Tamindei7,799Elected
Boigun Raki5,837
Kumasi Manga4,611
Stefan Mairabi3,040
Godfried Wogiamungu2,396
Namani Anjabia1,554
Markham
(20,608 registered)		Gaudi Mirau6,431Elected
Tom Leahy6,165
Bruce Reginald Jephcott4,404
Timas Paia3,417
Malangan Fridolin2,924
Tataeng Nabia1,166
Mendi
(28,557 registered)		Momei Pangial8,426Elected
Komia Dualt5,289
Ebi Wali1,452
Hananel Tiol1,007
Iebil Kalt2,051
Milne Bay
(25,071 registered)		John Guise17,045Elected
Bob Bunting1,990
Osineru Dickson564
Albert Munt137
Minj
(30,887 registered)		Kaibelt Diria8,568Elected
Ian Parsons6,715
Nopnop Tol5,291
Paulus Waine1,782
Brian Corrigan379
Moresby
(28,502 registered)		Eriko Rarupu8,867Elected
Oala Oala-Rarua6,243
Bia Maini3,057
Colin J. Sefton2,008
John Martin1,484
Bill Dihm Junior1,298
Kaita Kau1,250
Willie Gavera1,119
Bill Stansfield535
Ana Frank273
Weina Babaga157
Daera Ganiga146
New Ireland
(23,752 registered)		Nicholas Brokam6,768Elected
Peter Murray5,197
Joseph Watori3,550
Tovin Kiapsolo2,928
Bruno Kroening946
Magilang727
Okapa
(18,571 registered)		Muriso Warebu7,322Elected
Kangeto Yabise3,440
Kege Yasinamo1,909
Mangko Yai1,546
Asa Kabo807
Popondetta
(24,869 registered)		Edric Eupu8,679Elected
Paulus Arek5,704
Conway Sesewo Ihove4,511
Philip Undaba1,216
Cedric Siebel931
Rabaul
(23,639 registered)		Matthias Toliman7,282Elected
Epineri Titimur5,310
Nason Tokiala2,400
Tomari Topakana568
Lawrence Tolavutul270
Rai Coast
(26,806 registered)		Stoi Umut9,183Elected
A Tarosi3,789
Yali Singina2,583
Lotu Lisa1,701
Batta Yamai1,377
Langong Sungai526
John Kikang271
Medaing Gulungor47
Gau Jabile18
Ramu
(29,269 registered)		James Meanggarum9,133Elected
Watson Griffith Hall6,969
Tom Maguna4,498
John Bareng Mundau3,064
Rigo–Abau
(20,608 registered)		Dirona Abe6,366Elected
Scotty Uroe3,923
Enoka Tom3,263
Cliff Ianamu3,065
John Meikle1,899
Les Farley1,220
Veratau Reuben710
Tari
(22,672 registered)		Handabe Tiabe11,537Elected
Pungwa Tiri11,154
Andagari Wabiria6,054
Megelia Babagi3,903
Tagobe (John)3,497
Matthew Mapiria (Yaliga)1,223
Upper Sepik
(18,491 registered)		Wegra Kenu7,304Elected
Wesani Iboksimnok5,244
Ondrias Augwi3,522
Mason Ambunyigi1,619
Fatemboko Kauminja1,107
Wabag
(23,411 registered)		Tei Abal7,861Elected
Punaben Minsakoli3,506
Kibunki Tomben2,190
Timon Rot1,831
Wapenamanda
(23,834 registered)		Leme Iangalo9,001Elected
Traimya Manyingiwa4,698
Erikio Karok2,862
Powai Kikya1,949
Ian Kleinig1,062
West New Britain
(19,109 registered)		Pael Manlel6,889Elected
Kaiwa Theodore Laula5,970
Lima (Yohanis) Larebo2,334
Hans Wetzel3,321
Aisapu Talavi (Ganor)2,664
Joe Reio (Reu Mauta)1,857
Tel Kaumu (Kulu)1,193
Lantene Koha1,074
Boas Kulei Galia680
Wewak–Aitape
(23,069 registered)		Pita Simogun10,615Elected
Bais Yembinangra6,063
Brere Awol4,581
George Panao2,581
Pita Kamara144
Jim Simbago422
Reserved constituencies
CentralPercy Chatterton6,602Elected
Ron Brennan5,598
Andy Anderson3,535
Bert Pikett2,957
Charles Kilduff819
Kay Ashcroft-Smith429
East PapuaJohn Stuntz35,833Elected
Kevin Fletcher8,564
M. A. Lakin5,164
HighlandsIan Downs126,457Elected
Dennis Buchanan38,769
Madang–SepikFrank Martin68,281Elected
Kepten Flevel44,084
John Middleton34,395
New BritainRoy Ashton12,741Elected
Tom Garrett6,517
Ron Levi4,618
Blue Morris2,954
New Guinea IslandsJim Grose22,786Elected
Gordon Smith4,793
Harry Croyden9,090
North MarkhamHorrie Niall–Elected
South MarkhamGraham Gilmore9,311Elected
Lloyd Hurrell8,963
Mick Casey5,658
West GazelleDon Barrett6,407Elected
Albert Price5,021
Harry Spanner3,021
Keith Edwin Cummings2,217
West PapuaRon Neville68,335Elected
Ron Slaughter38,950
Source: Pacific Islands Monthly

Official members
Position Member
Assistant Administrator (Economic Affairs)Harold Reeve
Assistant Administrator (Services)John Gunther
Director of Agriculture, Stock and FisheriesFrank Henderson
Director of EducationLes Johnson
Director of Native AffairsJohn Keith McCarthy
Director of Posts and TelegraphsWilliam Frederick Carter
Director of Trade and IndustryGeoffrey Desmond Cannon
Secretary for LabourNoel John Mason
Secretary for LawWalter William Watkins
TreasurerAnthony Philip Newman
Source: Pacific Islands Monthly

Aftermath

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
OfficialsJohn Gunther
John Keith McCarthy
Harold Reeve
Elected membersNicholas Brokam
Ian Downs
John Guise
John Stuntz
Robert Tabua
Matthias Toliman
Zure Makili Zurecnuoc
Parliamentary Under-Secretaries
Position Member
AdministrationMatthias Toliman
Economic AffairsNicholas Brokam
ForestsPaul Lapun
HealthDirona Abe
LandsEdric Eupu
News and InformationJohn Guise
PolicePita Simogun
ServicesSinake Giregire
TreasuryZure Makili Zurecnuoc
WorksRobert Tabua

See also

References
  1. NG Elections Pacific Islands Monthly, April 1964, p129
  2. Big Increase In P-NG Council Planned As Next Step Towards Self-Government Pacific Islands Monthly, November 1962, p5
  3. Desks Cleared for NG Common Roll and 64-Man Assembly Pacific Islands Monthly, June 1963, p15
  4. 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. 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. 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. Appeal Threat On P-NG Election Pacific Islands Monthly, May 1964, pp37–39
  14. Bill "Removes Confusion" Pacific Islands Monthly, July 1964, p12
  15. 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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