Toaripi Lauti Tomasi Puapua General elections were held in Tuvalu on 8 September 1981.

[2] In Nanumea one candidate, Telavi Faati, called for the island be independent.

[3] Eight of the twelve incumbent MPs retained their seats, with two ministers losing theirs.

[4] Tomasi Puapua was elected Prime Minister with a 7–5 majority over the group a members of parliament headed by former Prime Minister Toaripi Lauti.

[2][5] Puapua appointed a five-member cabinet, keeping the portfolios of foreign affairs and local government for himself.