Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands explained

Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands
Native Name:Paati Temokalati ʻa e ʻOtu Motu ʻAngaʻofa
Native Name Lang:to
Abbreviation:DPFI
Leader:Semisi Sika
Founder:ʻAkilisi Pōhiva
Ideology:Reformism
Position:Big tent[1]
Split:Human Rights and Democracy Movement
Seats1 Title:Fale Alea
Country:Tonga

The Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands (Tonga (Tonga Islands);: Paati Temokalati ʻa e ʻOtu Motu ʻAngaʻofa) is a political party in Tonga. The party's leader at its foundation was 'Akilisi Pohiva.

The party was launched in September 2010, and included several sitting People's Representatives who were part of the Human Rights and Democracy Movement.[2] Its objectives upon foundation included government transparency and economic reform.[3]

The "Friendly Islands" are a name originally given to Tonga by Captain James Cook.[4]

2010 elections

The party contested all 17 people's seats in the 2010 elections,[2] winning 12 of them. Following the election, it secured the support of one independent and was seeking the support of two others – 'Aisake Valu Eke and Sunia Fili – by offering them cabinet posts.[5]

Following the elections, Niuas MP Sosefo Fe’aomoeata Vakata reportedly quit the party to become an independent and support a noble candidate as Prime Minister.[6]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Tonga: Freedom in the World 2019 Report . Freedom House . 16 December 2021.
  2. Web site: Another new political party emerges in Tonga as country prepares for 2010 elections . Radio New Zealand International . 6 September 2010 . 7 September 2010.
  3. Web site: Transparency on agenda in Tongan election . Australia Network News . 7 September 2010 . 21 September 2010 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110707192024/http://australianetworknews.com/stories/201009/3005138.htm?desktop . 7 July 2011.
  4. http://24hdanslepacifique.com/breves-du-pacifique-490/ "Un nouveau parti à Tonga"
  5. Web site: Tonga election winners plan to co-opt two independents . Radio New Zealand International . 27 November 2010 .
  6. Web site: Nobles now more likely to form next Tonga government . Radio New Zealand International . 8 December 2010 . 9 December 2010 .