[1] As there were no political parties, all candidates ran as independents, with Toaripi Lauti who had served as chief minister of the Colony of Tuvalu (1975–1978), was elected as the first prime minister following Tuvalu's independence.

The Tuvaluan Order 1975, which took effect on 1 October 1975, recognised Tuvalu as a separate British dependency with its own government.

The second stage occurred on 1 January 1976 when separate administrations were created out of the civil service of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands.

Prior to the 1977 elections, the number was increased to twelve.

[2] The House of the Assembly was renamed the Parliament of Tuvalu after independence in October 1978.