General elections were held in Dutch New Guinea for the first and only time in January 1961.
Background
[edit]The elections were held following the establishment of the New Guinea Council (Raad) to replace the Council of Directors, which consisted of the heads of government departments.[1] The new council consisted of 16 elected members and 12 members appointed by the Governor.[2] Voting was open to all Dutch citizens aged 21 and over who had lived in the territory since 1 January 1958.[3]
The 16 elected members were elected from 14 constituencies. Members were directly elected in Hollandia and Manokwari, with the other twelve constituencies having a two-stage process where voters elected representatives that subsequently selected the Council members.[3] Illiterate voters were able to whisper the name of their chosen representative to polling station staff.[3]
Results
[edit]Constituency | Elected members |
---|---|
Ajamaru | Daud Deda |
Fakfak | Nicolaas Tanggahma |
Hollandia | Nicolaas Jouwe |
Hollandia City | O.J. de Rijke |
Japen–Waropen | E.J. Boney, M.B. Ramandey |
Kaimana | Mohamad Achmad |
Manokwari | H.F.W. Gosewich |
Merauke | A. Kendau Gebse |
Nimboran | Manasse Suwae |
Radja Ampat | Abulla Arfan |
Ransiki | P. Torey |
Schouten Islands | Markus Kaisepo, B. Mofu |
Sorong | A. van Zeeland |
Teminaboean | A. Onim |
Source: Pacific Islands Monthly |
Appointed members
[edit]Appointed members |
---|
L.J. van de Berg |
Bertus Burwos |
Karel Gobai |
F. Kamma |
Clemens Kiriwaib |
V. Maturbongs |
Thontji Mezeth |
Fredericus Poana |
Simon Samkakai |
Dorkas Tokoro-Hanasbey |
Dominicus Walab |
Herman Womsiwor |
Source: Pacific Islands Monthly |
Aftermath
[edit]J.H.F. Sollewijn Gelpke was chosen as Speaker.[2]
References
[edit]- ^ Two NG Council Elections Almost Complete Pacific Islands Monthly, March 1961, p18
- ^ a b Members of NNG's New Council Pacific Islands Monthly, April 1961, pp136–137
- ^ a b c Dutch Council's Voting Arrangements Pacific Islands Monthly, November 1960, pp114–115