Early general elections were held in Montserrat on 20 September 1973.

Electoral System

The seven members of the Legislative Council were elected in single-member constituencies by first-past-the-post voting.

Background

Following the 1970 elections, the next elections were not due until March 1976. However, Bramble asked the Governor to dissolve the Legislative Council on 7 August, resulting in early elections. Bramble claimed that he required a new mandate to combat racism in the island's education system.

Political Parties & Candidates

Fifteen candidates contested the 1973 election.  The Progressive Democratic Party (PDP), led by Chief Minister Percival Austin Bramble, presented a full slated of seven candidates, while the Montserrat Action Party (MAP) presented two candidates.  There were also six independent candidates.

Results

The result was a victory for the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP), which won five of the seven seats in the Legislative Council.

Voter Turnout

Voter turnout was 70.3% of the 5,051 registered voters.

Post-election