2010 Tongan general election

2010 Tongan general election

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17 of the 26 seats in the Legislative Assembly
First party Second party   Leader Sialeʻataongo Tuʻivakanō ʻAkilisi Pohiva Party Independents DPFI Last election 54.09%, 12 seats [1] – Seats won 14 12 Seat change 2 New Popular vote 25,873 10,953 Percentage 67.30% 28.49% Swing 9.79pp New
Prime Minister before election Feleti Sevele HRDM Elected Prime Minister Sialeʻataongo Tuʻivakanō Nonpartisan

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] [9]} 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, ^[10] with ten seats for Tongatapu, three for Vavaʻu, two for Haʻapai and one each for Niuas and ʻEua. ^[11] 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%). ^{[12] [13]} The noble aristocracy will still select its nine representatives, while all remaining seats, which were previously appointed by the monarch, will be abolished. ^[13]

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, ^{[13] [14]} 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. ^[15] The changes have been fully supported by the king. ^{[16] [17]} 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". ^[9]

Impact on the monarchy

Tonga is a very traditional society, and the role of the monarchy is extremely important. ^[16]

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:

"Officially, the sovereign's powers remain unchanged, because we are a monarchy, we have a unity of power as opposed to a separation of power. The difference in future is that I shall not be able to exercise any of my powers at will, but all the sovereign's powers must be exercised solely on the advice of the Prime Minister in most things, and in traditional matters the law lords who advise exercise of power. In that case, I suppose we are different from other nominal monarchies which retain the trappings of monarchy, but actually govern themselves as republics."

— King George Tupou V ^[16]

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. ^[18]

Election

People's representatives

Voter registration closed on 31 August, with approximately 42,000 voters registering. ^{[9] [19]} 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. ^[20]

Candidates were registered on 21 and 22 October, with 147 candidates contesting the 17 constituencies. ^[21] 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. ^[21] Ten candidates were women. ^[22] Only three of the incumbent Cabinet contested the elections. ^[23]

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. ^[24] The suffering economy was seen as the most significant priority for the campaigners. ^[14] According to the World Bank, up to 40% of Tongans live on or below the poverty line. ^[14] 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. ^[18]

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". ^[25] 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." ^[14]

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:

• a joint constituency for Tongatapu & ʻEua, corresponding to fourteen hereditary titles (thirteen in Tongatapu and one, Lasike, in ʻEua), and electing four representatives;
• the constituency of Vavaʻu, corresponding to eight hereditary titles and electing two representatives;
• the constituency of Haʻapai, corresponding to seven hereditary titles and electing two representatives;
• the constituency of the Niuas, corresponding to four hereditary titles and electing one representative.

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. ^{[26] [27]}

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. ^[14] Reports said they were pleased at the way the election had been managed. ^[18]

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, ^{[28] [29]} 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. ^[9] 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]

Party		Votes	%	Seats	+/–
	Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands	10,953	28.49	12	New
	People's Democratic Party	934	2.43	0	–2
	Sustainable Nation-Building Party	519	1.35	0	New
	Tongan Democratic Labor Party	168	0.44	0	New
	Independents	25,873	67.30	5	+2
Nobles' representatives				9	0
Total		38,447	100.00	26	–4
Valid votes		38,447	99.83
Invalid/blank votes		66	0.17
Total votes		38,513	100.00
Registered voters/turnout		42,395	90.84
Source: IFES

People's representatives

Constituency	Candidate	Party		Votes	%	Notes
Tongatapu 1	ʻAkilisi Pōhiva		Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands	1,657	62.5	Elected
	Taniela Talifolau Palu		Independent	567	21.4
	Poutele Kaho Tu’ihalamaka		Independent	270	10.2
	'Inoke Fotu Hu’akau		Independent	105	4.0
	'Eliesa Fifita		Independent	38	1.4
	Siosifa Moala Taumoepeau		Independent	13	0.5
Tongatapu 2	Semisi Sika		Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands	849	37.9	Elected
	Viliami Tangi		Independent	641	28.6
	Malia Viviena 'Alisi Numia Taumoepeau		Independent	306	13.7
	Sione Tu’itavake Fonua		Sustainable Nation-Building Party	181	8.1
	Siale 'Ataongo Puloka		Independent	111	5.0
	Mele Teusivi 'Amanaki		Tongan Democratic Labor Party	65	2.9
	Tevita Kaitu’u Fotu		Independent	49	2.2
	Sitafooti 'Aho		Independent	26	1.2
	Semisi 'Ulu’ave Mila		Independent	12	0.5
Tongatapu 3	Sitiveni Halapua		Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands	1,047	38.5	Elected
	Clive Edwards		People's Democratic Party	681	25.0
	Viliami Takau		Independent	289	10.6
	Penisimani Vea		Independent	257	9.4
	David Kaveinga Vaka		Independent	191	7.0
	Betty Blake		Tongan Democratic Labor Party	103	3.8
	Sione 'Uhilamoelangi Liava’a		Independent	83	3.1
	Falakiko Karl Taufaeteau		Independent	35	1.3
	Pesalili Kailahi		Independent	23	0.8
	Semisi Nauto Tuapasi 'Ata’ata		Independent	12	0.4
Tongatapu 4	ʻIsileli Pulu		Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands	1,274	58.3	Elected
	'Etika Koka		Independent	302	13.8
	'Ahongalu Fusimalohi		Independent	223	10.2
	'Etuate 'Eniti Sakalia		Independent	215	9.8
	Tupou M. Loto’aniu		Independent	74	3.4
	Mele Tonga Savea Linda Ma’u		Independent	71	3.2
	Christopher Mafi		Independent	24	1.1
Tongatapu 5	ʻAisake Eke		Independent	679	24.1	Elected
	Maliu Moeao Takai		Independent	616	21.9
	Siale Napa’a Fihaki		Independent	302	10.7
	Hekisou Fifita		Independent	285	10.1
	Sione V. Loseli		Independent	238	8.5
	Semisi Tongia		Independent	233	8.3
	Lopeti Senituli		Independent	155	5.5
	Sione Tu’alau Mangisi		Independent	116	4.1
	Sione Langi Vailanu		Independent	98	3.5
	Sitiveni Takaetali Finau		Independent	46	1.6
	'Ofa Tautuiaki		Independent	24	0.9
	Pita Ikata’ane Finaulahi		Independent	19	0.7
	Sateki Finau		Independent	4	0.1
Tongatapu 6	Siosifa Tuʻitupou Tuʻutafaiva		Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands	735	26.5	Elected
	Siosaia Moehau		Independent	731	26.4
	Posesi Fanua Bloomfield		Independent	389	14.0
	Sione Fifita Maumau		Independent	279	10.1
	Viliami Moimoi Vaea		Independent	169	6.1
	Siosiua Holitei Fonua		Independent	163	5.9
	Lesieli Hu’availiku Niu		Independent	61	2.2
	Melino He Mapu’atonga Tangi		Independent	50	1.8
	Sione Tu’alau Vimahi		Independent	47	1.7
	Hemaloto Tatafu		Independent	40	1.4
	Sitiveni Finau		Independent	30	1.1
	Sepeti Vakameilalo		Independent	24	0.9
	Fale’aisi Vaea Tangitau		Independent	18	0.7
	Latu Timote Tu’i’asoa		Independent	17	0.6
	'Ofakitokelau Fakalata		Sustainable Nation-Building Party	16	0.6
Tongatapu 7	Sione Sangster Saulala		Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands	847	32.6	Elected
	Giulio Masasso Tu’ikolongahau Paunga		Independent	621	23.9
	Sione Vuna Fa’otusia		Independent	429	16.5
	Mavaetangi Manavahetau		Independent	240	9.2
	Siosifa Filini Sikuea		Independent	160	6.2
	Peato Tauholoaki Takai		Independent	117	4.5
	'Anau Ki Lifuka 'Anau		Independent	89	3.4
	'Amanaki Paea Molitika		Independent	59	2.3
	Finau Lea’aetalafo’ou		Independent	23	0.9
	Hoatatau Tenisi		Independent	15	0.6
Tongatapu 8	Sione Taione		Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands	901	34.1	Elected
	Lui 'Aho		Independent	770	29.1
	Fataimoemanu Lafaele Vaihu		Independent	474	17.9
	Siaosi 'Etika Moleni		Independent	177	6.7
	Sioape Tu’iono		Sustainable Nation-Building Party	118	4.5
	Mosese Senituli Manu		Independent	83	3.1
	Simote Po’uliva’ati		Independent	66	2.5
	Simione Kau Silapelu		Independent	32	1.2
	Nakita Talanoa		Independent	20	0.8
	Solo Fefioloi Solomone La’akulu		Independent	5	0.2
Tongatapu 9	Kaveinga Faʻanunu		Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands	908	34.0	Elected
	Sevenitini Toumo’ua		Independent	414	15.5
	Viliami Fukofuka		Independent	262	9.8
	Filimone Fifita		Independent	241	9.0
	'Aisake 'Etimoni Tu’iono		Independent	229	8.6
	Siaosi 'Enosi Tu’ipulotu		Independent	147	5.5
	Semisi Kailahi		Independent	136	5.1
	Tonga Tongilava Lemoto		Independent	110	4.1
	'Epeli Taufa Kalemani		Independent	51	1.9
	Konisitutone Simana Kami		Independent	50	1.9
	Falati Papani		Independent	49	1.8
	Mosese Latu		Independent	22	0.8
	Sione 'Umeahola Faeamani		Independent	21	0.8
	'Ofa Fatai		Independent	18	0.7
	Samisoni Lotaki Kanongata’a		Independent	15	0.6
Tongatapu 10	Semisi Tapueluelu		Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands	792	26.6	Elected
	Pohiva Tuʻiʻonetoa		Independent	613	20.6
	Faka’osilea Kaufusi		Independent	608	20.5
	Faka’osi 'Akapulu Maama		Independent	277	9.3
	Semisi Kaifoto Pale		Independent	170	5.7
	Daniel Kimball Fale		Independent	109	3.7
	ZCO Ongosia 'Uhatafe		Independent	104	3.5
	Soane Vaka’uta Melekiola		Independent	77	2.6
	Fifita Sili		Independent	71	2.4
	Latanoa Pikula		Independent	64	2.2
	Kitione Pomaama		Independent	61	2.1
	Malia Peata Sioko Noa		Independent	27	0.9
ʻEua 11	Sunia Fili		Independent	772	37.2	Elected
	Sione Sengililala Moala		Independent	667	32.1
	Tevita Lavemaau		Independent	637	30.7
Haʻapai 12	Moʻale Finau		Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands	470	31.9	Elected
	Viliami Hingano		Independent	306	20.8
	Paula Vi		Independent	280	19.0
	Latiume Kaufusi		Independent	174	11.8
	Tevita 'Ova		Independent	71	4.8
	Mosese Moimoi Fakahua		Independent	70	4.8
	Sione Tu’itupou Fotu		Independent	39	2.6
	Sione Fekau Mafile’o		Independent	38	2.6
	Langilangi Vimahi		Independent	16	1.1
	Penisimani Tavalu Fatafehi		Independent	8	0.5
Haʻapai 13	ʻUliti Uata		Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands	1,090	70.5	Elected
	Sione Teisina Fuko		People's Democratic Party	253	16.4
	Lopeti Kamipeli Tofa		Sustainable Nation-Building Party	204	13.2
Vavaʻu 14	Lisiate ʻAkolo		Independent	665	28.0	Elected
	ʻEtuate Lavulavu		Independent	540	22.7
	Paula Piveni Piukala		Independent	502	21.1
	Tu’amelie He Lotu Faaitu’a Kemoe’atu		Independent	380	16.0
	Peauafi Pifeleti		Independent	209	8.8
	Siale Fifita		Independent	51	2.1
	Pita Vi Hala’api’api		Independent	32	1.3
Vavaʻu 15	Samiu Vaipulu		Independent	618	33.1	Elected
	Ualingi Salesi Paea		Independent	362	19.4
	Keuli Pasina Lavaki		Independent	305	16.3
	Viliami Kaufusi Helu		Independent	235	12.6
	Semisi Lavaka		Independent	208	11.1
	Viliami Pasikala		Independent	138	7.4
Vavaʻu 16	Viliami Latu		Independent	881	43.7	Elected
	Tevita Hala Palefau		Independent	347	17.2
	Tevita Kaafi Tukofuka		Independent	298	14.8
	'Aisea Silivenusi		Independent	289	14.3
	'Atalasa Misilemoti Pouvalu		Independent	203	10.1
Ongo Niua 17	Sosefo Feʻaomoeata Vakata		Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands	383	46.8	Elected
	Sione Feingatau ʻIloa		Independent	228	27.8
	Petelo Taukei Fuaevalu 'Ahomana		Independent	208	25.4
Source: Psephos

Noble representatives

The nobles' representatives are: ^[31]

Tongan general election, 2010: Tongatapu (3 members)

Candidate		Votes	%	±
Lord Tu'ivakano		13
Lord Ma'afu		10
Lord Vaea		8

Tongan general election, 2010: Vavaʻu (2 members)

Candidate		Votes	%	±
Lord Tu'ilakepa		4
Lord Tu'i'afitu		4

Tongan general election, 2010: ʻEua (1 member)

Candidate		Votes	%	±
Lord Lasike		6

Tongan general election, 2010: Niuas (1 member)

Candidate		Votes	%	±
Lord Fusitu'a		1

Tongan general election, 2010: Haʻapai (2 members)

Candidate		Votes	%	±
Lord Tu'iha'teiho		4
Lord Fakafanua		4

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]

References

1. Includes nobles and peer members who were appointed by the King of Tonga.
2. "Civics education vital ahead of Tonga election, says advocate". Radio New Zealand International. 21 April 2010. Retrieved 22 April 2010.
3. "Tonga's king to cede key powers". BBC. 29 July 2008. Retrieved 22 April 2010.
4. "His Majesty King George Tupou V- A Monarch for a time of change". Fiji Daily Post. 28 July 2008. Archived from the original on 2 February 2014. Retrieved 22 April 2010.
5. "Commission pessimistic over ability of Assembly to meet 2010 election deadline". Matangi Tonga. 12 November 2009. Archived from the original on 5 May 2010. Retrieved 22 April 2010.
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7. "Absence of PM from opening of Parliament questioned" Archived 16 March 2012 at the Wayback Machine , Taimi Media Network, 9 June 2011
8. Malkin, Bonnie (27 November 2010). "King prepares to hand over powers after election in Tonga". Sydney Morning Herald . Fairfax Media . Retrieved 26 November 2010.
9. Agence France-Presse (24 November 2010). "Tonga set for landmark vote". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 24 November 2010.
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12. "Tonga's pro-democracy movement hails assembly reform". Radio New Zealand International. 21 April 2010. Retrieved 22 April 2010.
13. Dorney, Sean (24 November 2010). "Tonga prepares for historic poll". Australia Network News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Archived from the original on 14 March 2012. Retrieved 24 November 2010.
14. "Tonga Democrats 'leading' in polls". Al Jazeera. 25 November 2010. Retrieved 25 November 2010.
15. Agence France-Presse (26 November 2010). "No clear winner in Tonga's first election". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 26 November 2010.
16. Hill, Bruce (25 November 2010). "Tongan monarch gives electoral changes his full backing". Radio Australia. Retrieved 25 November 2010.
17. Hill, Bruce (22 November 2010). "Tongan monarch voices support for elections". Radio Australia; Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 25 November 2010.
18. "Tonga's people vote in droves for change". TV New Zealand. 26 November 2010.
19. "Registration closes with over 40,000 Tongan voters". Matangi Tonga. 3 September 2010. Retrieved 4 September 2010.
20. "Huge numbers failed to register for Tonga election, says woman advocate". RNZ. 1 November 2010. Retrieved 28 June 2023.
21. "147 candidates for November Election". Matangi Tonga. 22 October 2010. Retrieved 23 October 2010.
22. "Ten women contesting Tonga poll". RNZ. 25 October 2010. Retrieved 28 June 2023.
23. "Tonga health minister standing in elections to ensure continuity". RNZ. 25 October 2010. Retrieved 28 June 2023.
24. "Parliamentary candidates to register in October". Matangi Tonga. 3 September 2010. Retrieved 4 September 2010.
25. The Associated Press (25 November 2010). "Tongans vote for majority of parliamentarians". CTV News. CTV Globe Media. Retrieved 25 November 2010.
26. "Nobles prepare for Elections of district electoral representatives" Archived 22 April 2012 at the Wayback Machine , Tongan Ministry of Information, 17 November 2010
27. "Nobles" Archived 6 February 2012 at the Wayback Machine , government of Tonga
28. "Pro-democracy party in Tonga big winner in general elections". Radio New Zealand International. 26 November 2010. Retrieved 29 December 2020..
29. "KINGDOM OF TONGA LEGISLATIVE ELECTIONS OF 25 NOVEMBER 2010". Adam Carr. Retrieved 29 December 2020.
30. "Tu'ivakano becomes Prime Minister Designate". 21 January 2012. Archived from the original on 30 November 2011. Retrieved 20 December 2010.
31. "Vaea and Tu'ilakepa to enter House in Nobles seats". Matangi Tonga. 25 November 2010. Archived from the original on 22 March 2012.
32. "Tonga election winners plan to co-opt two independents". Radio New Zealand International. Retrieved 27 November 2010.
33. "Two main camps emerge in talks over formation of new Tonga government". Radio New Zealand International. 1 December 2010. Retrieved 2 December 2010.
34. "Tonga Democratic Party to hold rally amid post-election lobbying". Radio New Zealand International. 2 December 2010. Retrieved 2 December 2010.
35. "Prime Minister for Christmas or New Year". Matangi Tonga. 2 December 2010. Retrieved 2 December 2010.
36. "King appoints Lord Tupou as Interim Speaker". Matangi Tonga. 3 December 2010. Retrieved 3 December 2010.
37. "Election of Tongan PM delayed". Radio Australia News. 14 December 2010. Archived from the original on 3 March 2012.
38. "Nobles now more likely to form next Tonga government". Radio New Zealand International. 8 December 2010. Retrieved 9 December 2010.
39. "15 members form bloc to nominate PM". Matangi Tonga. 8 December 2010. Retrieved 9 December 2010.
40. "Tonga's Democrats confident they'll govern despite rival's claim of numbers". Radio New Zealand International . 9 December 2010. Retrieved 23 November 2011.
41. "New majority claim by Tonga Democrats". Radio New Zealand International . 15 December 2010. Retrieved 23 November 2011.
42. "Two names for Prime Minister before Legislature today". Matangi Tonga. 20 December 2010. Retrieved 20 December 2010.
43. "Day's delay before Tonga's MPs select new prime minister". Radio New Zealand International . 20 December 2010. Retrieved 23 November 2011.
44. "Tu'ivakano becomes Prime Minister Designate". Matangi Tonga. 21 December 2010. Archived from the original on 30 November 2011. Retrieved 21 December 2010.
45. "Tonga's prime minister names his cabinet". Radio New Zealand International. 31 December 2010. Retrieved 31 December 2010.

External links

• Full candidate list