2022 Tongatapu by-elections explained

Three by-elections were held in the Tongan electorates of Tongatapu 4, Tongatapu 6, and Tongatapu 7 on 3 November 2022.[1] [2] The by-elections were triggered by the unseating of cabinet ministers Tatafu Moeaki, Poasi Tei, and Sione Sangster Saulala for bribery following the 2021 Tongan general election.[3] [4] The by-elections were won by Mateni Tapueluelu (Tongatapu 4), Dulcie Tei (Tongatapu 6), and Paula Piukala (Tongatapu 7).[5] [6]

Candidate registration for the by-elections was held on September 5 and 6,[7] resulting in five candidates for Tongatapu 4 and Tongatapu 6, and three for Tongatapu 7.[8]

Candidates for Tongatapu 4 were former MPs Mateni Tapueluelu and ʻIsileli Pulu, Viliami 'Alamameita Takau, Toutai 'Ulupano, and 'Etika Cocker.[8]

Candidates for Tongatapu 6 were Tahifisi Vehikite, Sione Talanoa Fifita, Fane Fotu Fituafe, Sepeti Vakameilalo, and Dulcie Elaine Tei.[8]

Candidates for Tongatapu 7 were Feletiliki Fa'otusia, Paula Piveni Piukala, and Kilisitina Saulala.[8]

Results

Tongatapu 7

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Tongatapu by-election date announced by Speaker . Kaniva Tonga . 12 August 2022 . 12 August 2022.
  2. Web site: Tongatapu By-Elections on November 3 . Matangi Tonga . 12 August 2012 . 12 August 2022.
  3. Web site: Appeals dismissed, three Cabinet Ministers elections void . Matangi Tonga . 9 August 2022 . 10 August 2022.
  4. Web site: Three Cabinet Ministers unseated . Matangi Tonga . 10 August 2022 . 11 August 2022.
  5. Web site: 3 November 2022 . 3 new MPS for Tongatapu decided in by-election . https://web.archive.org/web/20221103204458/https://matangitonga.to/2022/11/03/3-new-mps-tongatapu-byelection . 3 November 2022 . 4 November 2022 . Matangi Tonga.
  6. Web site: Democrats claim victory in Tonga by-elections . Kaniva Tonga . 3 November 2022 . 4 November 2022.
  7. Web site: Sept 5-6 for registration of candidates for Tongatapu By-Election . Matangi Tonga . 17 August 2022 . 17 August 2022.
  8. Web site: Candidates for Tongatapu By-Elections announced . Matangi Tonga . 6 September 2022 . 7 September 2022.