[1] As a result of a split in the ethnic Fijian vote, the ruling Alliance Party of Prime Minister Kamisese Mara suffered a narrow defeat.

Although the NFP emerged as the largest party, Governor-General George Cakobau asked Mara to form a new government, claiming that he had the support of the majority of the House.

[3] Following the elections Mara resigned as Prime Minister on 5 April and turned down offers from the NFP to participate in a coalition government.

[3] Supporters of Koya subsequently blamed a faction led by NFP president Irene Jai Narayan for keeping the party out of office.

The NFP proposed an amendment that the Governor-General should ignore any request from Mara to dissolve parliament if the motion was defeated, and instead appoint Koya as Prime Minister.