title: 1977 Tuvaluan general election
text: # 1977 Tuvaluan general election
  
  General elections were held in Tuvalu on 27 August 1977. As there were no political parties, all candidates ran as independents, with Toaripi Lauti remaining Chief Minister. Voter turnout was 78.8%.
  
  ## Background
  
  Following a 1974 referendum, the Ellice Islands separated from the Gilbert and Ellice Islands. The Tuvaluan Order 1975, which took effect on 1 October 1975, recognised Tuvalu as a separate British dependency with its own government. The second stage occurred on 1 January 1976 when separate administrations were created out of the civil service of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands.
  
  A new House of Assembly was established with eight members. Prior to the 1977 elections, the number was increased to twelve. The four islands with a population of over 1,000 elected two members and the other four islands elected one member.
  
  ## Results
  
  Minister Isakaia Paeniu lost his seat.
  
  | Party | Party | Votes | % | Seats |
  | - | - | - | - | - |
  | | Independents | | | 12 |
  | Total | Total | | | 12 |
  | Total votes | Total votes | 2,256 | – | |
  | Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | 2,862 | 78.83 | |
  | Source: Nohlen et al. |||||
  
  ### Elected members
  
  | Constituency | Member |
  | - | - |
  | Funafuti | Toaripi Lauti |
  | Funafuti | Elia Tavita |
  | Nanumaga | |
  | Nanumea | Motofoua Feso |
  | Nanumea | Maheu Naniseni |
  | Niutao | Tepepe Papua |
  | Niutao | Tomu Sione |
  | Nui | Sione Tui Kleis |
  | Nukufetau | |
  | Nukulaelae | Henry Naisali |
  | Vaitupu | Tomasi Puapua |
  | Vaitupu | Taui Finikaso |
  
  ## Aftermath
  
  Following the elections, Toaripi Lauti was re-elected Chief Minister on 1 October. The House of the Assembly was renamed the Parliament of Tuvalu after independence in October 1978.
  
  