1991 Manx general election


General elections were held on the Isle of Man on the 21 November 1991 to elect members to the island's lower house: the House of Keys. Independents dominated and won 21 of the 24 seats, whilst the Manx Labour Party once again won three seats.

Electoral system

The electoral system was changed in 1982 to single transferable vote with the Representation of the People Act.

Campaign

A total of 73 candidates contested the elections, of which 68 ran as independents and five as party candidates. The Manx Labour Party nominated three candidates, David Cretney, Peter Karran and Bernie May, all of whom were incumbents. The Green Party nominated two, John Rimington and Graham Joughin.

Results

Five of the elected members were newcomers to the House of Keys.
In Douglas West, Basil Cowin and Jim Mitchell were tied in last place at the second count, resulting in them having to draw lots to determine who progressed to the third count, with Callow progressing. Two independent candidates were elected unopposed.

Afternath

Following the general election a vote was held in Tynwald to elect the Chief Minister, with 23 members voting for the continuation of Miles Walker's government, and 10 voting for Edgar Mann. Five of those opposed to the Walker administration agreed to form the Alternative Policy Group with Mann as their leader, this was intended to function as an official opposition to the government, promoting greater autonomy for the island and more government accountability.