2006 Tuvaluan general election

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General elections were held in Tuvalu on 3 August 2006 to elect fifteen members to the Parliament. There were 5,765 eligible voters on the electoral roll. [1] 32 candidates, including 2 women, competed for the 15 seats (the parliament had been increased from 12 to 15 elected members). All fifteen candidates elected were Independents, as there are no political parties in the country. [2]

Contents

The years before the election had involved an uncertain economic situation with questions about the political stability with frequent changes of prime minister. There had also been questions about the integrity of some government ministers. [1]

The election saw eight of the fifteen incumbent MPs defeated, including the entire cabinet of the incumbent Prime Minister Maatia Toafa (who did retain his seat). [2] Eight new members were elected to the parliament. [2] The new members of parliament are predominantly experienced civil servants, including Taukelina Finikaso (former diplomat); Iakoba Italeli (former attorney general); Lotoala Metia (former auditor general); Namoliki Sualiki (former school principal); Willy Telavi (former police commissioner); and Falesa Pitoi (dentist). [1]

Apisai Ielemia was elected the prime minister. [3]

Results

ConstituencyCandidateVotes%Notes
Funafuti Kamuta Latasi 35245.8Re-elected
Kausea Natano 34044.4Re-elected
Emily Koepeke Lauti395.0
Iosefa Elisala374.8
Nanumaga Falesa Pitoi 33539.0Elected
Otinielu Tausi 30035.0Re-elected
Halo Tuavai22226.0
Nanumea Maatia Toafa 39728.6Re-elected
Willy Telavi 42230.5Elected
Kokea Malua 29821.5Unseated
Annie Homasi 23416.8
Langitupu Tuilimu362.6
Niutao Tomu Sione 41633.0Elected
Tavau Teii 37329.0Re-elected
Samuelu Teo 31825.0
Iopu Iupasi Kaisala16913.0
Nui Iakoba Italeli 28131.0Elected
Alesana Seluka 22024.3Elected
Taom Tanukale 21223.4
Pakai Asaia19221.2
Nukufetau Lotoala Metia 50737.5Elected
Elisala Pita 43031.8Elected
Saufatu Sopoanga 41430.6
Nukulaelae Namoliki Sualiki 10942.1Elected
Bikenibeu Paeniu 6525.1Unseated
Vaefitu Luke Paeniu6424.7
Iefata Paeniu218.1
Vaitupu Apisai Ielemia 33634.2Re-elected
Taukelina Finikaso 24725.2Elected
Matanile Iosefa22422.8
Eti Esela17317.6
Leti Pelesala20.2Unseated
Source: Hassall, Psephos

Aftermath

On 14 August 2006 Apisai Ielemia was elected as prime minister; he had been a diplomat, clerk to parliament and senior civil servant. [3] Kamuta Latasi was appointed the Speaker of the parliament. [2] The new government sworn in by Governor General, Reverend Filoimea Telito on 14 August comprised Apisai Ielemia as Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs; Tavau Teii (Niutao) Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources; Willy Telavi (Nanumea) Home Affairs; Lotoala Metia (Nukufetau) Finance, Economic Planning and Industries; Kausea Natano (Funafuti) Public Utilities; Taukelina Finikaso (Vaitupu) Communications and Works; Italeli Taeia (Nui) Education, Sports and Health. Sir Tomu Sione (Niutao) acted as Chairman of the Caucus. [1]

Related Research Articles

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References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Hassall, Graham (2006). "The Tuvalu General Election 2006". Democracy and Elections Project, Governance Program, University of the South Pacific.
  2. 1 2 3 4 "Palamene o Tuvalu (Parliament of Tuvalu)". Inter-Parliamentary Union. 2006. Retrieved 7 March 2013.
  3. 1 2 "Tuvalu elects Apisai Ielemia as new prime minister". Radio New Zealand. 15 August 2006. Retrieved 11 April 2015.