1981 Trinidad and Tobago general election

General elections were held in Trinidad and Tobago on 9 November 1981. The result was a victory for the People's National Movement, which won 26 of the 36 seats. Voter turnout was 56.4%.

1981 Trinidad and Tobago general election

9 November 1981 (1981-11-09)
All 36 seats in the House of Representatives 19 seats needed for a majority
Turnout	56.43%
First party Second party Third party   Leader George Chambers Basdeo Panday A. N. R. Robinson Party PNM ULF DAC Alliance National Alliance National Alliance Leader since 30 March 1981 1975 1971 Leader's seat St. Ann's East Couva North Tobago East Last election 54.23%, 24 seats 27.17%, 10 seats 8.20%, 2 seats Seats won 26 / 36 8 / 36 2 / 36 Seat change 2 2 Popular vote 218,557 62,781 15,390 Percentage 52.95% 15.21% 3.73% Swing 1.28pp 11.96pp 4.47pp
Prime Minister before election George Chambers PNM Subsequent Prime Minister George Chambers PNM

Results

Party		Votes	%	Seats	+/–
	People's National Movement	218,557	52.95	26	+2
	Organisation for National Reconstruction	91,704	22.22	0	New
	United Labour Front	62,781	15.21	8	–2
	Democratic Action Congress	15,390	3.73	2	0
	National Joint Action Committee	13,710	3.32	0	New
	Tapia House Movement	9,401	2.28	0	0
	National Freedom Party	864	0.21	0	New
	Fargo House Movement	143	0.03	0	New
	West Indian Political Congress Movement	130	0.03	0	New
	Trinidad Labour Party	34	0.01	0	New
	People's Republican Party	25	0.01	0	New
	Independents	39	0.01	0	0
Total		412,778	100.00	36	0
Valid votes		412,778	99.36
Invalid/blank votes		2,638	0.64
Total votes		415,416	100.00
Registered voters/turnout		736,104	56.43
Source: EBCTT, Nohlen