starting with 51 seats out of 100, abel muzorewa of the uanc was appointed as prime minister, and also appointed minister combined operations and defence. he formed a joint government with ian smith, the former prime minister of rhodesia, who was a minister without portfolio. muzorewa also attempted to include the other african parties who had lost the election. rhodesian front members served as muzorewa's ministers of justice, agriculture, and finance, with david smith continuing in the role of minister of finance, while p k van der byl, the hardline former minister of defence, serving as both minister of transport and minister of power and posts.