2008 Tongan general election

Last updated

2008 Tongan general election
Flag of Tonga.svg
←  2005 23 – 24 April 2008 2010  →
9 of 30 seats in the Legislative Assembly of Tonga
PartyLeader%Seats+/–
HRDM ʻUliti Uata 28.474-3
PDP Sione Teisina Fuko 14.022New
Independents –57.513+1
This lists parties that won seats. See the complete results below.
Prime Minister beforePrime Minister after
Feleti Sevele
HRDM 		Feleti Sevele
HRDM

General elections were held in Tonga on 23 and 24 April 2008 to elect members of the Legislative Assembly. [1] The nobles were elected on 23 April, and the nine people's representatives on 24 April. [2] A total of 32,000 people turned out to vote, giving a turnout of 48%. [3]

Contents

71 candidates had filed for the people's representatives' seats, among them eight women. All nine incumbents stood for reelection, with six retaining their seats. [4] Most of the pro-democracy MPs were returned, despite several facing charges of sedition over the 2006 Nuku'alofa riots. [5] Reportedly, all nine elected MPs were pro-democracy activists. [6]

These elections were the last ones before democratic reforms expected to be implemented in 2010, which would change the seat balance as follows: 17 MPs would be popularly elected, nine MPs would be elected by the nobles and four MPs appointed by the king. [7]

Viliami Uasike Latu requested a recount in Vava'u, the constituency he contested, as he missed out on the second seat there by only 51 votes. The recount was conducted from 5 to 9 May at the Office of the Governor of Vava’u, [8] and confirmed the original result. [9]

Controversy

About two weeks before the election, it was announced that the Tonga Broadcasting Commission would henceforth censor candidates' political broadcasts, [10] and that TBC reporters would be banned from reporting on political matters, allegedly because they lacked the necessary training for objective coverage. [11] The decision was criticised by the Pacific Islands News Association, and New Zealand's Minister of Revenue, Peter Dunne, commented that it was "unfortunate". [12] Tonga Review said that the decision was a restriction on freedom of speech, and compared Tonga with Zimbabwe, [13] a comparison rejected by the TBC. [14] Tongan MP Clive Edwards said that the TBC's decision was aimed at stifling criticism of the government in the lead-up to the election, [15] and to hamper the re-election chances of pro-democracy MPs. [16] Pesi Fonua, head of the Tonga Media Council, said that the election "very much depends on how the candidates present themselves", and that censorship would "definitely have an impact". [17]

Results

Tongan Parliament 2008.svg
PartyVotes%Seats+/–
Human Rights and Democracy Movement 21,99528.474–3
People's Democratic Party 10,82814.022New
Independents44,42357.513+1
Nobles' representatives90
Royal appointees120
Total77,246100.00300
Total votes32,091–
Registered voters/turnout68,73046.69
Source: Psephos, IPU

By constituency

People's Representatives

ConstituencyCandidatePartyVotes%Notes
Eua Sunia Fili Human Rights and Democracy Movement 86135.4Elected
Tevita Lavemaau Independent51021.0
Tevita TupouIndependent44618.3
Siosaia HausiaIndependent27911.5
Tu'ipulotu LauakiIndependent1375.6
'Asipeli MafiIndependent1305.3
Veisinia Tupou Tu'itakau KahoIndependent562.3
Hakeai Vea HaveaIndependent120.5
Ha'apai ʻUliti Uata Human Rights and Democracy Movement 2,55529.7Elected
Sione Teisina Fuko People's Democratic Party 1,40416.3Elected
Moʻale Finau Independent1,25614.6
ʻOsai Latu Independent1,06212.3
Siosaia K Ma'ake PalutoIndependent88510.3
Sione Tu'itupou FotuIndependent4124.8
Lopeti Kamipeli TofaIndependent4094.8
Siaosi VaikonaIndependent3183.7
Sosaia FinauIndependent3093.6
Niuafo'ou and Niuatoptapu Sione Feingatau ʻIloa Independent47636.6Elected
Sione Haukinima Independent36728.2
Lepolo Taunisila Human Rights and Democracy Movement 24118.5
'Ofa SimikiIndependent21716.7
Tongatapu ʻAkilisi Pōhiva Human Rights and Democracy Movement 11,29022.4Elected
ʻIsileli Pulu Human Rights and Democracy Movement 7,04814.0Elected
Clive Edwards People's Democratic Party 6,69713.3Elected
Sione Sangster Saulala Independent5,46110.8
'Inoke Fotu Hu'akauIndependent2,8025.6
Sione Fonua Independent2,7685.5
Semisi Palu 'Ifoni Tapueluelu People's Democratic Party 2,7275.4
Mele Teusivi 'AmanakiIndependent1,5233.0
Semisi 'Ofa FukofukaIndependent1,1502.3
Mateitalo Folaumoetao Mahu'ingaIndependent1,1362.3
'Alisi Pone FotuIndependent1,0822.1
Sitiveni Takaetali FinauIndependent9221.8
Mateaki Ki he Lotu HeimuliIndependent8281.6
Latanoa PikulaIndependent7651.5
Sateki FinauIndependent6751.3
Filimone FifitaIndependent6491.3
Sulunga LavakaIndependent5441.1
'Akanete Ta'ai LautiIndependent4540.9
Sione Tu'i'onetoaIndependent3540.7
Salesi KauvakaIndependent2690.5
Tupou MalohiIndependent2590.5
'Alani Fisher TaioneIndependent1840.4
Semisi Nauto Tuapasi 'Ata'ataIndependent1750.3
Malu FaletauIndependent1450.3
'Eliu HafokaIndependent1410.3
Punalei NukuIndependent1240.2
Hoatatau TenisiIndependent1180.2
'Eliesa FifitaIndependent980.2
Vava'u ʻEtuate Lavulavu Independent2,11614.6Elected
Samiu Vaipulu Independent1,89613.1Elected
Viliami Latu Independent1,84512.7
Salesi PaeaIndependent1,47110.1
Masao Paasi Independent1,2138.4
'Opeti PulotuIndependent9176.3
Viliami Kaufusi HeluIndependent7265.0
Tevita Moengangongo SaiaIndependent7004.8
Sione Kilipati LeaIndependent6744.6
Peauafi TatafuIndependent5473.8
Polutele Tu'ihalamakaIndependent5443.7
Viliula MafiIndependent4423.0
Moleni TaufaIndependent3832.6
Viliami PasikalaIndependent1911.3
Keuli Pasina LavakiIndependent1851.3
Paula K KavaIndependent1751.2
'Ofa Kitokelau FakalataIndependent1130.8
Mataiasi Moteini MoalaIndependent1040.7
Tongovua Tae AppletonIndependent780.5
Temaleti Levaitai Fulivai Faka'osiIndependent730.5
Kapeliele Fungalei CockerIndependent720.5
To'ofohe Loketi TeaupaIndependent510.4
Source: Psephos

Nobles' representatives

Nine nobles were elected by the 29 eligible members of the nobility on 23 April. All 29 voters cast votes. There were no nominations, and no candidates. Tu'iha'angana, outgoing Speaker of the House, lost his seat in Ha'apai. [18]

ConstituencyCandidateVotes%Notes
Eua Hon. Lasike 763.6Elected
Hon. Fohe327.3
Baron Vaea of Houma 19.1
Ha'apai Hon. Tu'iha'ateiho 321.4Elected
Hon. Tu'ipelehake 321.4Elected
Hon. Fakafanua 214.3
Hon. Malupo214.3
Hon. Niukapu214.3
Hon. Tu'iha'angana 214.3
Niuafo'ou and NiuatoptapuHon. Tangipa266.7Elected
Hon. Fotofili133.3
Tongatapu Hon. Fielakepa 1030.3Elected
Hon. Ma'afu 1030.3Elected
Hon. Fohe618.2Elected
Hon. Vaha'i412.1
Baron Vaea of Houma 39.1
Vava'u Hon. Luani 320.0Elected
Hon. Tu'ilakepa 320.0Elected
Hon. Fakatulolo213.3
Hon. Fulivai213.3
Hon. Tuita213.3
Hon. Tu'i'afitu213.3
Prince 'Ulukalala16.7

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">History of Tonga</span> Aspect of history

The history of Tonga is recorded since the ninth century BC, when seafarers associated with the Lapita diaspora first settled the islands which now make up the Kingdom of Tonga. Along with Fiji and Samoa, the area served as a gateway into the rest of the Pacific region known as Polynesia. Ancient Tongan mythologies recorded by early European explorers report the islands of 'Ata and Tongatapu as the first islands having been hauled to the surface from the deep ocean by Maui.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Legislative Assembly of Tonga</span> National legislature of Tonga

The Legislative Assembly of Tonga is the unicameral legislature of Tonga. The assembly has 26 members in which 17 members elected by majority of the people for a 5-year term in multi-seat constituencies via the single non-transferable vote system. There are 9 members elected by the 33 hereditary nobles of Tonga. The Assembly is controlled by the speaker of the House who is elected by majority of the elected members of Parliament and constitutionally appointed by the king.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2005 Tongan general election</span>

General elections were held in Tonga on 17 March 2005. Only nine members of the 30-seat parliament were elected, the rest appointed by the King or were members of the Tongan aristocracy. The Human Rights and Democracy Movement won seven of the nine seats. 'Aho'eitu 'Unuaki'otonga Tuku'aho, son of the King, initially retained his position as Prime Minister, but he resigned in 2006, with the position passing to Feleti Sevele, one of the two independent candidates elected. Sevele is the first non-noble Prime Minister of the country.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">ʻAkilisi Pōhiva</span> Former Prime Minister of Tonga

Samiuela ʻAkilisi Pōhiva was a Tongan pro-democracy activist and politician. Pohiva, the leader of the Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands (DPFI), served as the Prime Minister of Tonga from 2014 to his death in 2019. He was only the fourth commoner to serve as Prime Minister, and the first commoner to be elected to that position by Parliament rather than appointed by the King.

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

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cabinet of Tonga</span>

The Cabinet of Tonga is the cabinet of the government of the Kingdom of Tonga. It is composed primarily of the ministers of government. The latter, including the Prime Minister, are appointed by the monarch. The Governor of Ha'apai and the Governor of Vava'u also serve on the Cabinet ex officio. When in session and presided over by the monarch, the Cabinet is known as the Privy Council.

William Clive Edwards OBE is a Tongan barrister and politician who formerly served as a Cabinet Minister and Acting Deputy Prime Minister. He is a member of the People's Democratic Party.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Samiu Vaipulu</span> Tongan politician

Samiu Kuita Vaipulu is a Tongan politician and Cabinet Minister. He was the Tongan Deputy Prime Minister from 2010 to 2014 and is currently Minister for Trade and Economic Development.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sione Sangster Saulala</span> Tongan politician

Sione Sangster Saulala is a Tongan politician, broadcaster, and Cabinet Minister. He was a member of the Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands early in his political career.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2010 Tongan Legislative Assembly</span>

The 2010 Tongan Legislative Assembly was established following the 2010 elections, the first under a new system which saw the majority of seats elected by universal suffrage. The Taimi Media Network described it as "Tonga's first democratically elected Parliament".

Viliami Veasiʻi Veikune, styled Lord Tuʻihaʻateiho is a Tongan noble, politician, and Member of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga. He is the 15th person to hold the Tuʻihaʻateiho title, and was appointed to it on 5 June 2004.

Sosefo Feʻaomoeata Vakata is a Tongan politician and former member of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga. He is a former member of the Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands.

Falisi Tupou is a Tongan journalist and politician.

Niuas is an electoral constituency which sends one representative to the Legislative Assembly of Tonga. It covers the islands of Niuafoʻou and Niuatoputapu.

Vavaʻu is an electoral constituency which sends two representatives to the Legislative Assembly of Tonga. It covers the eponymous region and island chain.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2014 Tongan general election</span>

General elections were held in Tonga on 27 November 2014. All twenty-six elected seats in the single-chamber Legislative Assembly were up for election, although the monarch, acting on the advice of his Prime Minister, retains the possibility to appoint members to Cabinet from outside Parliament, thus granting them a non-elected ex officio seat in Parliament.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mateni Tapueluelu</span>

Mateni Tapueluelu is a Tongan journalist and politician.

A by-election was held in the Vavaʻu 16 constituency in Tonga on 14 July 2016. It followed the conviction and unseating of MP ‘Etuate Lavulavu for bribery and campaign overspending, in January.

General elections were held in Tonga on 16 November 2017 to elect 17 of the 26 seats to the Legislative Assembly. King Tupou VI dissolved the Assembly on 25 August 2017 on the advice of its Speaker, Sialeʻataongo Tuʻivakanō, who claimed that Prime Minister ʻAkilisi Pohiva was attempting to claim powers held by the King and Privy Council within Cabinet.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2021 Tongan general election</span>

General elections were held in Tonga on 18 November 2021 to elect 17 of the 26 seats in the Legislative Assembly.

References

  1. ↑ Electoral Calendar- world elections,US elections,presidential election,world parties
  2. ↑ Tonga to hold general elections in April - People's Daily Online
  3. ↑ "48% turnout for 2008 General Election" Archived 27 May 2011 at the Wayback Machine , Matangi Tonga, 28 April 2008
  4. ↑ Tonga to hold general election on 24 April - People's Daily Online
  5. ↑ Pro-democracy MPs mostly returned in Tonga - Radio New Zealand Archived 7 February 2012 at the Wayback Machine , 25 April 2008
  6. ↑ "Tongans elect pro-democracy MPs". BBC News. 25 April 2008.
  7. ↑ Tonga heads to polls, but more slowly toward greater democracy Archived 24 April 2008 at the Wayback Machine
  8. ↑ "Tonga election recount of Vava'u result next week". Radio New Zealand . 2 May 2008. Retrieved 12 December 2020.
  9. ↑ "Two Tonga People's Reps election results in Vava'u confirmed by recount". RNZ. 14 May 2008. Retrieved 12 December 2020.
  10. ↑ "TBC's censorship committee makes its mark on coming election" Archived 11 April 2008 at the Wayback Machine , Matangi Tonga, 11 April 2008
  11. ↑ "Reporting restrictions in Tonga criticised by region", ABC Radio Australia, 10 April 2008
  12. ↑ "Tonga pressured over media restrictions". The Age . Australian Associated Press. 10 April 2008. Retrieved 23 November 2011.
  13. ↑ "Tonga and Zimbabwe have something in common - restriction on free speech" Archived 12 April 2008 at the Wayback Machine , Tonga Review, 7 April 2008
  14. ↑ "TBC Boss Responds to Tonga Review Article" Archived 12 April 2008 at the Wayback Machine , Tonga Review, 10 April 2008
  15. ↑ "Veteran Tonga politician says government's latest move is to stop criticism". Radio New Zealand International . 9 April 2008. Retrieved 23 November 2011.
  16. ↑ "State Broadcaster restrictions slammed by Tonga People's Rep". Radio New Zealand International . 8 April 2008. Retrieved 23 November 2011.
  17. ↑ "Restrictions on state broadcasting likely to impact on Tonga election, says journalist". Radio New Zealand International . 23 April 2008. Retrieved 23 November 2011.
  18. ↑ "TUIHAANGANA LOSES SEAT IN TONGA NOBLES RACE". Pacific Islands Report. 24 April 2008. Retrieved 13 December 2021.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.