Fiji General Elections, 1977

Files of press cuttings from the 'Fiji Sun and the Fiji Times relating to the General Elections in 1977.

From 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 with a substantial majority.

The files for each newspaper have been grouped into separate series.

Open although advance notice should be given. Access to individual items may be restricted under the Data Protection Act or the Freedom of Information Act.

The source of acquisition of these papers by ICS is not known.

Listed. See link to repository catalogue

Compiled 2000, revised by Alan Kucia as part of the RSLP AIM25 Project, Aug 2001.

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