title: 1981 Tuvaluan general election
text: # 1981 Tuvaluan general election
  
  General elections were held in Tuvalu on 8 September 1981.
  
  ## Campaign
  
  A total of 26 candidates contested the 12 seats. As there were no political parties, all candidates ran as independents. Voter turnout was 85.0%.
  
  In Nanumea one candidate, Telavi Faati, called for the island be independent.
  
  ## Results
  
  Eight of the twelve incumbent MPs retained their seats, with two ministers losing theirs.
  
  | Party | Party | Votes | % | Seats | +/– |
  | - | - | - | - | - | - |
  | | Independents | | | 12 | 0 |
  | Total | Total | | | 12 | 0 |
  | Total votes | Total votes | 2,862 | – | | |
  | Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | 3,368 | 84.98 | | |
  | Source: Nohlen et al. ||||||
  
  ## Aftermath
  
  Tomasi Puapua was elected Prime Minister with a 7–5 majority over the group a members of parliament headed by former Prime Minister Toaripi Lauti. Puapua appointed a five-member cabinet, keeping the portfolios of foreign affairs and local government for himself. Henry Naisali became Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Lale Seluka was appointed Minister for Commerce and Natural Resources, Falaile Pilitati became Minister for Social Services and Solomona Tealofi was appointed Minister for Works and Communications.
  
  