1956 Trinidad and Tobago general election

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1956 Trinidad and Tobago general election

General elections were held on 24 September 1956 to elect all 24 seats in the Legislative Council. 129 candidates from nine parties contested.

The People’s National Movement (PNM), led by Eric Williams (leader since 1955), won 13 seats. The People’s Democratic Party (PDP), led by Bhadase Sagan Maraj, won 5 seats. The Butler Party, led by Tubal Uriah Butler, won 2 seats, and the TLP–NDP alliance led by A. P. T. James also won 2 seats.

Turnout was about 80%. Before the election, Albert Gomes of the Party of Political Progress Groups was Chief Minister; after the election, Eric Williams of the PNM became Chief Minister.

A notable result was Learie Constantine (PNM) defeating Surujpat Mathura (PDP) in Tunapuna.