2010 Tongan general election explained

Country:Tonga
Type:parliamentary
Previous Election:2008 Tongan general election
Previous Year:2008
Next Election:2014 Tongan general election
Next Year:2014
Seats For Election:17 of the 26 seats in the Legislative Assembly
Election Date:26 November 2010
Image1:Sialeʻataongo Tuʻivakanō 2014.jpg
Party1:Independents
Last Election1:54.09%, 12 seats[1]
Seats1:14
Seat Change1: 2
Popular Vote1:25,873
Percentage1:67.30%
Swing1: 9.79pp
Leader2:ʻAkilisi Pohiva
Party2:Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands
Last Election2:
Seats2:12
Seat Change2:New
Popular Vote2:10,953
Percentage2:28.49%
Swing2:New
Prime Minister
Before Election:Feleti Sevele
Before Party:Human Rights and Democracy Movement
After Election:Sialeʻataongo Tuʻivakanō
After Party:Non-partisan

Early general elections under a new electoral law were held in Tonga on 25 November 2010.[2] They determined the composition of the 2010 Tongan Legislative Assembly.

The early elections were announced by the new King George Tupou V in July 2008 shortly before being crowned on 1 August 2008,[3] [4] and were preceded by a programme of constitutional reform.[5] For the first time, a majority of the seats (17 out of 26) in the Tongan parliament were elected by universal suffrage, with the remaining nine seats being reserved for members of Tonga's nobility. This marked a major progression away from the 165-year rule of the monarchy towards a fully representative democracy.[6] The Taimi Media Network described it as "Tonga’s first democratically elected Parliament".[7]

The Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands, founded in September 2010 specifically to fight the election and led by veteran pro-democracy campaigner 'Akilisi Pohiva, secured the largest number of seats, with 12 out of the seventeen "people's representative" seats.[8]

Background

Heading to political reforms

Prior to these elections, members of Tonga's Legislative Assembly (the Fale Alea) were primarily appointed by the monarch, who also selected the prime minister and the cabinet.[6] Only nine of the 30 seats were popularly elected, and another nine were held by members of the aristocracy.

In April 2010 the Legislative Assembly enacted a package of political reforms, increasing the number of people's representatives from nine to seventeen,[9] with ten seats for Tongatapu, three for Vavaʻu, two for Haʻapai and one each for Niuas and ʻEua.[10] All of the seats are single-seat constituencies, as opposed to the multi-member constituencies used before. These changes mean that now 17 of 26 representatives (65.4%) will be directly elected, up from 9 of 30 (30.0%).[11] [12] The noble aristocracy will still select its nine representatives, while all remaining seats, which were previously appointed by the monarch, will be abolished.[12]

While the cabinet and the prime minister were previously selected by the monarch, this time, the elected parliamentarians will vote for a prime minister.[6]

The changes come in the wake of violent pro-democracy demonstrations in November 2006,[12] in which eight people were killed and much of the business district of Tongatapu destroyed as people protested against the slow movement toward political reform.[13] The changes have been fully supported by the king.[14] One of the candidates, Sione Fonua, said, "The king saw the signs that people wanted change and, to his credit, he has allowed that to happen".

Impact on the monarchy

Tonga is a very traditional society, and the role of the monarchy is extremely important.[15]

In response to the question of the impact the new legislation would have on his role, the King stated that while not officially reducing his powers, the reforms meant that he was now limited in his capacity to exercise these powers:

Analysts, however, have said they are not yet certain what effective changes the political shift would bring.[6] The king retains the power of veto over certain laws, as well as the power to dismiss the government.[16]

Election

People's representatives

Voter registration closed on 31 August, with approximately 42,000 voters registering.[17] In November 2010, the Women's and Children's Crisis Centre expressed concern that up to 40% of eligible voters could have failed to register.[18]

Candidates were registered on 21 and 22 October, with 147 candidates contesting the 17 constituencies.[19] The Tongatapu 6 and 9 constituencies were the most heavily contested, with 15 candidates each, while Ha'apai 13, 'Eua 11 and Niuas 17 had only three candidates each.[19] Ten candidates were women.[20] Only three of the incumbent Cabinet contested the elections.[21]

Candidates were required to pay a P400 (Tonga-pa'anga) registration fee (equivalent to $215 US or €165) and present the signatures of 50 eligible voters in support of their candidacy.[22] The suffering economy was seen as the most significant priority for the campaigners. According to the World Bank, up to 40% of Tongans live on or below the poverty line. In addition, the International Monetary Fund claims that Tonga's national debt is substantial and that the island nation is at high risk of not being able to pay them.[16]

In an address to the nation before polling stations opened, the King described the vote as "the greatest and most historic day for our kingdom".[23] He went on to say, "You will choose your representative to the parliament and, thus, the first elected government in our country's long history."[24]

Nobles' representatives

Elections to the nobles' seats was reformed, through the Representatives Electoral Regulations Act 2010. Each member of the nobility was henceforth only allowed to cast a vote in the constituency containing lands to which his title of nobility was attached. The four constituencies were:

There were two nobles who held two titles each: Prince ʻAhoʻeitu ʻUnuakiʻotonga Tukuʻaho held the titles of Tupoutoʻa (in Haʻapai) and Lavaka (in Tongatapu), while Lord Kalaniuvalu of Tongatapu was jointly Lord Fotofili of the Niuas. It is not clear whether this enabled these two men to cast two ballots. In addition, there were three unattributed titles: Maʻatu in the Niuas, and ʻAhomeʻe and Fohe in Tongatapu. Also, King Tupou V had, since 2008, instituted the unprecedented title of "Law Lords" for three men (Ramsay Robertson Dalgety, Tevita Poasi Tupou and Taniela Tufui), conferring upon them a non-hereditary life title which entitled them to vote in a nobles' constituency of their choosing, but not to be elected. Dalgety and Tupou chose to vote in Tongatapu, and Tufui in Haʻapai. Consequently, there were twelve to fourteen potential voters in Tongatapu (depending on where Prince Tukuʻaho and Lord Kalaniuvalu chose to vote), eight in Vavaʻu, seven or eight in Haʻapai, and two or three in the Niuas.[25] [26]

Results

According to election officials, approximately 89% of the 42,000 registered voters cast ballots.[6] A delegation of fourteen observers from Australia and New Zealand were in Tonga to observe the election.[24] Reports said they were pleased at the way the election had been managed.[16]

The outcome of the election resulted in a plurality of seats for the Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands, who won 12 out of the 17 "people's representative" seats,[27] [28] with only some 29% of the votes (because of the First Past the Post voting system being used).

Once the results were finalised, the newly elected representatives selected a prime minister. Tongans, who have traditionally looked to the nobility for leadership, had widely expected it to be a nobleman.[29] After their election, however, the nobles' representatives announced that they would support a commoner for prime minister but ultimately decided to support Lord Tu'ivakano.[30]

People's representatives

ConstituencyCandidatePartyVotes%Notes
Tongatapu 1ʻAkilisi Pōhiva1,65762.5Elected
Taniela Talifolau Palu56721.4
Poutele Kaho Tu’ihalamaka27010.2
'Inoke Fotu Hu’akau1054.0
'Eliesa Fifita381.4
Siosifa Moala Taumoepeau130.5
Tongatapu 2Semisi Sika84937.9Elected
Viliami Tangi64128.6
Malia Viviena 'Alisi Numia Taumoepeau30613.7
Sione Tu’itavake Fonua1818.1
Siale 'Ataongo Puloka1115.0
Mele Teusivi 'Amanaki652.9
Tevita Kaitu’u Fotu492.2
Sitafooti 'Aho261.2
Semisi 'Ulu’ave Mila120.5
Tongatapu 3Sitiveni Halapua1,04738.5Elected
Clive Edwards68125.0
Viliami Takau28910.6
Penisimani Vea2579.4
David Kaveinga Vaka1917.0
Betty Blake1033.8
Sione 'Uhilamoelangi Liava’a833.1
Falakiko Karl Taufaeteau351.3
Pesalili Kailahi230.8
Semisi Nauto Tuapasi 'Ata’ata120.4
Tongatapu 4ʻIsileli Pulu1,27458.3Elected
'Etika Koka30213.8
'Ahongalu Fusimalohi22310.2
'Etuate 'Eniti Sakalia2159.8
Tupou M. Loto’aniu743.4
Mele Tonga Savea Linda Ma’u713.2
Christopher Mafi241.1
Tongatapu 5ʻAisake Eke67924.1Elected
Maliu Moeao Takai61621.9
Siale Napa’a Fihaki30210.7
Hekisou Fifita28510.1
Sione V. Loseli2388.5
Semisi Tongia2338.3
Lopeti Senituli1555.5
Sione Tu’alau Mangisi1164.1
Sione Langi Vailanu983.5
Sitiveni Takaetali Finau461.6
'Ofa Tautuiaki240.9
Pita Ikata’ane Finaulahi190.7
Sateki Finau40.1
Tongatapu 6Siosifa Tuʻitupou Tuʻutafaiva73526.5Elected
Siosaia Moehau73126.4
Posesi Fanua Bloomfield38914.0
Sione Fifita Maumau27910.1
Viliami Moimoi Vaea1696.1
Siosiua Holitei Fonua1635.9
Lesieli Hu’availiku Niu612.2
Melino He Mapu’atonga Tangi501.8
Sione Tu’alau Vimahi471.7
Hemaloto Tatafu401.4
Sitiveni Finau301.1
Sepeti Vakameilalo240.9
Fale’aisi Vaea Tangitau180.7
Latu Timote Tu’i’asoa170.6
'Ofakitokelau Fakalata160.6
Tongatapu 7Sione Sangster Saulala84732.6Elected
Giulio Masasso Tu’ikolongahau Paunga62123.9
Sione Vuna Fa’otusia42916.5
Mavaetangi Manavahetau2409.2
Siosifa Filini Sikuea1606.2
Peato Tauholoaki Takai1174.5
'Anau Ki Lifuka 'Anau893.4
'Amanaki Paea Molitika592.3
Finau Lea’aetalafo’ou230.9
Hoatatau Tenisi150.6
Tongatapu 8Sione Taione90134.1Elected
Lui 'Aho77029.1
Fataimoemanu Lafaele Vaihu47417.9
Siaosi 'Etika Moleni1776.7
Sioape Tu’iono1184.5
Mosese Senituli Manu833.1
Simote Po’uliva’ati662.5
Simione Kau Silapelu321.2
Nakita Talanoa200.8
Solo Fefioloi Solomone La’akulu50.2
Tongatapu 9Kaveinga Faʻanunu90834.0Elected
Sevenitini Toumo’ua41415.5
Viliami Fukofuka2629.8
Filimone Fifita2419.0
'Aisake 'Etimoni Tu’iono2298.6
Siaosi 'Enosi Tu’ipulotu1475.5
Semisi Kailahi1365.1
Tonga Tongilava Lemoto1104.1
'Epeli Taufa Kalemani511.9
Konisitutone Simana Kami501.9
Falati Papani491.8
Mosese Latu220.8
Sione 'Umeahola Faeamani210.8
'Ofa Fatai180.7
Samisoni Lotaki Kanongata’a150.6
Tongatapu 10Semisi Tapueluelu79226.6Elected
Pohiva Tuʻiʻonetoa61320.6
Faka’osilea Kaufusi60820.5
Faka’osi 'Akapulu Maama2779.3
Semisi Kaifoto Pale1705.7
Daniel Kimball Fale1093.7
ZCO Ongosia 'Uhatafe1043.5
Soane Vaka’uta Melekiola772.6
Fifita Sili712.4
Latanoa Pikula642.2
Kitione Pomaama612.1
Malia Peata Sioko Noa270.9
ʻEua 11Sunia Fili77237.2Elected
Sione Sengililala Moala66732.1
Tevita Lavemaau63730.7
Haʻapai 12Moʻale Finau47031.9Elected
Viliami Hingano30620.8
Paula Vi28019.0
Latiume Kaufusi17411.8
Tevita 'Ova714.8
Mosese Moimoi Fakahua704.8
Sione Tu’itupou Fotu392.6
Sione Fekau Mafile’o382.6
Langilangi Vimahi161.1
Penisimani Tavalu Fatafehi80.5
Haʻapai 13ʻUliti Uata1,09070.5Elected
Sione Teisina Fuko25316.4
Lopeti Kamipeli Tofa20413.2
Vavaʻu 14Lisiate ʻAkolo66528.0Elected
ʻEtuate Lavulavu54022.7
Paula Piveni Piukala50221.1
Tu’amelie He Lotu Faaitu’a Kemoe’atu38016.0
Peauafi Pifeleti2098.8
Siale Fifita512.1
Pita Vi Hala’api’api321.3
Vavaʻu 15Samiu Vaipulu61833.1Elected
Ualingi Salesi Paea36219.4
Keuli Pasina Lavaki30516.3
Viliami Kaufusi Helu23512.6
Semisi Lavaka20811.1
Viliami Pasikala1387.4
Vavaʻu 16Viliami Latu88143.7Elected
Tevita Hala Palefau34717.2
Tevita Kaafi Tukofuka29814.8
'Aisea Silivenusi28914.3
'Atalasa Misilemoti Pouvalu20310.1
Ongo Niua 17Sosefo Feʻaomoeata Vakata38346.8Elected
Sione Feingatau ʻIloa22827.8
Petelo Taukei Fuaevalu 'Ahomana20825.4
Source: Psephos

Noble representatives

The nobles' representatives are:[31]

Government formation

Following the election, the DPFI 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.[32] Following concerns the noble representatives would support one of the independents for Prime Minister,[33] the DPFI decided to hold a public rally to build public support.[34]

The formal process of electing a Prime Minister will begin after the final election results are formally notified, with the appointment of an interim Speaker and a call for nominations.[35] MPs will then vote by secret ballot in one or more rounds, until a candidate is elected.[35]

On 3 December 2010 the King appointed Lord Tupou as interim Speaker.[36]

The three MPs from Vava'u are considered to be pro-monarchy.[37]

Sosefo Fe’aomoeata Vakata reportedly left the DPFI and became an independent, and was likely to support the nobles together with the five independent MPs, resulting in a noble-led government.[38] He joined a bloc of 15 members, including all nine noble representatives and five other people's representatives, to jointly nominate a Prime Minister.[39]

The DPFI rejected these claims and stated it still expects to form the government.[40] A vote was scheduled for 17 December, but then delayed to 20 December.[37]

On 15 December 2010, DPFI MP 'Isileli Pulu claimed that the DPFI had the support of 14 of the 17 popularly elected MPs and of a few nobles, 18 MPs in total.[41]

On 20 December 2010 Samuela 'Akilisi Pohiva and Siale'ataonga Tu'ivakano were nominated for Prime Minister.[42] The election was postponed to 21 December 2010.[43] Tu'ivakano was elected by 14 votes to 12.[44]

On 31 December Tu'ivakano named his cabinet, which included six people's representatives, three nobles, and two commoners appointed from outside Parliament.[45]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Includes nobles and peer members who were appointed by the King of Tonga.
  2. Web site: Civics education vital ahead of Tonga election, says advocate . Radio New Zealand International . 21 April 2010 . 22 April 2010.
  3. Web site: Tonga's king to cede key powers . BBC . 29 July 2008 . 22 April 2010.
  4. Web site: His Majesty King George Tupou V- A Monarch for a time of change . Fiji Daily Post. 28 July 2008 . 22 April 2010 . dead . https://archive.today/20140202150419/http://fijidailypost.com/feature.php?date=20080728&index=575 . 2 February 2014 .
  5. Web site: Commission pessimistic over ability of Assembly to meet 2010 election deadline . Matangi Tonga . 12 November 2009 . 22 April 2010 . 5 May 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20100505072522/http://www.matangitonga.to/article/tonganews/politics/20091112_tonga_cec_final_report_released.shtml . dead .
  6. News: Strong showing for Tonga democrats in election. 26 November 2010. BBC News. British Broadcasting Corporation. 26 November 2010.
  7. http://www.taimionline.com/articles/4154 "Absence of PM from opening of Parliament questioned"
  8. News: King prepares to hand over powers after election in Tonga. Malkin. Bonnie. 27 November 2010. Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax Media. 26 November 2010.
  9. Web site: Tonga Parliament enacts political reforms . Radio New Zealand International . 15 April 2010 . 21 April 2010.
  10. Web site: Tonga parliament votes on amended boundaries . Radio New Zealand International . 20 April 2010 . 21 April 2010.
  11. Web site: Tonga's pro-democracy movement hails assembly reform . Radio New Zealand International . 21 April 2010 . 22 April 2010.
  12. News: Dorney, Sean. Tonga prepares for historic poll. Australia Network News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 24 November 2010. 24 November 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20120314103838/http://australianetworknews.com/stories/201011/3075671.htm?desktop. 14 March 2012. dead.
  13. News: Agence France-Presse. No clear winner in Tonga's first election. Sydney Morning Herald. 26 November 2010. 26 November 2010.
  14. News: Hill, Bruce. Tongan monarch voices support for elections. Radio Australia; Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 22 November 2010. 25 November 2010.
  15. Web site: Hill, Bruce. Tongan monarch gives electoral changes his full backing. 25 November 2010. Radio Australia. 25 November 2010.
  16. News: Tonga's people vote in droves for change. TV New Zealand. 26 November 2010.
  17. Web site: Registration closes with over 40,000 Tongan voters . Matangi Tonga . 3 September 2010 . 4 September 2010 .
  18. Web site: Huge numbers failed to register for Tonga election, says woman advocate . RNZ . 1 November 2010 . 28 June 2023.
  19. Web site: 147 candidates for November Election . Matangi Tonga . 22 October 2010 . 23 October 2010 .
  20. Web site: Ten women contesting Tonga poll . RNZ . 25 October 2010 . 28 June 2023.
  21. Web site: Tonga health minister standing in elections to ensure continuity . RNZ . 25 October 2010 . 28 June 2023.
  22. Web site: Parliamentary candidates to register in October . Matangi Tonga . 3 September 2010 . 4 September 2010 .
  23. News: The Associated Press. Tongans vote for majority of parliamentarians. CTV News. CTV Globe Media. 25 November 2010. 25 November 2010.
  24. News: Tonga Democrats 'leading' in polls. 25 November 2010. Al Jazeera. 25 November 2010.
  25. http://mic.gov.to/press-releases/1878-preparing-for-electtions-of-electoral-district-representatives-of-nobles.html "Nobles prepare for Elections of district electoral representatives"
  26. http://www.mic.gov.to/people/nobles- "Nobles"
  27. Web site: Pro-democracy party in Tonga big winner in general elections . Radio New Zealand International . 26 November 2010 . 29 December 2020. .
  28. Web site: KINGDOM OF TONGA LEGISLATIVE ELECTIONS OF 25 NOVEMBER 2010 . Adam Carr . 29 December 2020.
  29. News: Agence France-Presse. Tonga set for landmark vote. 24 November 2010. Sydney Morning Herald. 24 November 2010.
  30. Web site: Tu'ivakano becomes Prime Minister Designate. 21 January 2012. 20 December 2010. 30 November 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20111130071216/http://www.matangitonga.to/article/tonganews/parliament/20101221_tonga_new_prime_minister_designate.shtml. dead.
  31. Web site: Vaea and Tu'ilakepa to enter House in Nobles seats . Matangi Tonga . 25 November 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120322004852/https://matangitonga.to/2010/11/25/vaea-and-tuilakepa-enter-house-nobles-seats . 22 March 2012.
  32. Web site: Tonga election winners plan to co-opt two independents . Radio New Zealand International . 27 November 2010.
  33. Web site: Two main camps emerge in talks over formation of new Tonga government . Radio New Zealand International . 1 December 2010 . 2 December 2010.
  34. Web site: Tonga Democratic Party to hold rally amid post-election lobbying . Radio New Zealand International . 2 December 2010 . 2 December 2010.
  35. Web site: Prime Minister for Christmas or New Year . Matangi Tonga . 2 December 2010 . 2 December 2010.
  36. Web site: King appoints Lord Tupou as Interim Speaker . Matangi Tonga . 3 December 2010 . 3 December 2010.
  37. Web site: Election of Tongan PM delayed . Radio Australia News . 14 December 2010 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120303202922/http://www.radioaustralianews.net.au/stories/201012/3092366.htm?desktop . 3 March 2012.
  38. Web site: Nobles now more likely to form next Tonga government . Radio New Zealand International . 8 December 2010 . 9 December 2010.
  39. Web site: 15 members form bloc to nominate PM . Matangi Tonga . 8 December 2010 . 9 December 2010.
  40. News: Tonga's Democrats confident they'll govern despite rival's claim of numbers . 9 December 2010 . . 23 November 2011.
  41. News: New majority claim by Tonga Democrats . 15 December 2010 . . 23 November 2011.
  42. Web site: Two names for Prime Minister before Legislature today . Matangi Tonga . 20 December 2010 . 20 December 2010.
  43. News: Day's delay before Tonga's MPs select new prime minister . 20 December 2010 . . 23 November 2011.
  44. Web site: Tu'ivakano becomes Prime Minister Designate . Matangi Tonga . 21 December 2010 . 21 December 2010 . 30 November 2011 . https://web.archive.org/web/20111130071216/http://www.matangitonga.to/article/tonganews/parliament/20101221_tonga_new_prime_minister_designate.shtml . dead .
  45. Web site: Tonga's prime minister names his cabinet . Radio New Zealand International . 31 December 2010 . 31 December 2010.