1976 Turks and Caicos Islands general election

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General elections were held in the Turks and Caicos Islands on 29 September 1976.[1] Although the Progressive National Organisation (PNO) received the most votes, the People's Democratic Movement (PDM) emerged as the largest party in the Legislative Council, winning five of the eleven seats.[1] Following the elections, the PDM formed a coalition government with the two independents, with PDM leader James Alexander George Smith McCartney becoming the first Chief Minister of the islands.

Background

The PNO and PDM were both formed shortly before the elections. The PDM had its roots in the Junkanoo Club youth organisation formed in 1976, but was only formed in early 1976.[1] The PNO was formed in the same year by members of the State Council.[1]

Electoral system

The eleven members of the Legislative Council were elected from single-member constituencies.[1]

Campaign

A total of 23 candidates contested the elections, with the new PNO contesting all 11 seats, the PDM running in eight seats. The other four candidates were independents.[1]

Results

PartyVotes%Seats
Progressive National Organisation1,00842.044
People's Democratic Movement95639.875
Independents43418.102
Total2,398100.0011
Valid votes2,39898.44
Invalid/blank votes381.56
Total votes2,436100.00
Registered voters/turnout2,99581.34
Source: Caribbean Elections

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f General Election Results - 29 September 1976 Archived 23 December 2016 at the Wayback Machine Caribbean Elections