They were characterised by the lack of rancour between racial groups, typical of the 1966 general election and the 1968 by-elections.

The result was a landslide for the Alliance Party of the Prime Minister, Kamisese Mara, which won 33 of the 52 seats, and surprised many observers by capturing almost 25 percent of the Indo-Fijian vote.

The Indo-Fijian-dominated National Federation Party led by Sidiq Koya won the remaining 19 seats.

The National Federation Party (NFP) won all the Indian Communal sets with 73% of the vote.

He appointed two members to the Senate – John Falvey and Penaia Ganilau – to allow them to join the cabinet.