Fiji General Elections, 1977
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TitleFiji General Elections, 1977
Reference codeICS19
Date1977
Scope and ContentFiles of press cuttings from the 'Fiji Sun' and the 'Fiji Times' relating to the General Elections in 1977
NotesFrom Independence until 1987, Fiji was governed by the Alliance Party, which was pledged towards policies of multiracialism. The only challenge to its rule occurred in 1977, when Fijian voters were attracted by Fijian nationalist candidates. This led to the Alliance Party losing ground in the April General Election, and the Indian-dominated National Federation Party obtaining 26 of the 52 seats in Parliament, with 24 seats for the Alliance Party. However, owing to a leadership dispute the NFP split into factions, and the Governor-General in a surprise move, asked the Alliance Party leader and former Prime Minister, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, to form a minority administration. These events caused considerable political debate in the press, and increased factionalism in the FNP. A further General Election was held in September of the same year, and the Alliance Party was restored to power witha substantial majority.
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Extent5 files in 2 boxes
System of ArrangementThe files for each newspaper have been grouped into separate series
Finding aidsA descriptive list is available in the Special Collections reading room. A pdf version is attached to this description.
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