2017 Tongan general election
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17 of 26 seats in the Legislative Assembly | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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![]() Results by constituency | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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General elections were held in Tonga on 16 November 2017[1] to elect 17 of the 26 seats to the Legislative Assembly.[2] 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.[3]
Nominations closed on 27 September, with 86 candidates contesting the 17 people's seats.[4] The election resulted in a victory for the DPFI, with ʻAkilisi Pōhiva remaining as Prime Minister.[5]
Electoral system
The Legislative Assembly of Tonga has up to 30 members, of which 17 are directly elected by first-past-the-post voting from single-member constituencies. The island of Tongatapu has ten constituencies, Vavaʻu three, Haʻapai two and ʻEua and Niuatoputapu/Niuafoʻou one each.[6] Nine seats are held by members of the nobility who elect representatives amongst themselves.[7] The Cabinet formed by a Prime Minister may include up to four members not elected to the Assembly, who then automatically become members of the legislature.[7]
Results
The Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands won 14 seats, enough to allow them to form a government without needing the support of nobles or independents.[8]
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---|---|---|---|---|---|
Party | Votes | % | Seats | +/– | |
Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands | 17,610 | 44.53 | 14 | +5 | |
Langafonua 'a e Masiva | 3,261 | 8.25 | 0 | New | |
Independents | 18,674 | 47.22 | 3 | –5 | |
Nobles' representatives | 9 | 0 | |||
Total | 39,545 | 100.00 | 26 | 0 | |
Valid votes | 39,545 | 99.83 | |||
Invalid/blank votes | 68 | 0.17 | |||
Total votes | 39,613 | 100.00 | |||
Registered voters/turnout | 59,003 | 67.14 | |||
Source: Tonga Elections,[9] IFES,[10] Matangi Tonga[11] Asia Pacific Report[8] |
By constituency
Candidate | Party | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
ʻAkilisi Pōhiva | Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands | 1,379 | 50.57 | |
Netatua Pelesikoti | Independent | 352 | 12.91 | |
Sione Tukia | Independent | 279 | 10.23 | |
Ofo-Mei-Vaha Tupou Niumeitolu | Independent | 196 | 7.19 | |
Mosese Teukiveiuto Manuofetoa | Independent | 128 | 4.69 | |
Siotame Drew Havea | Independent | 109 | 4.00 | |
Siale ʻAtaongo Puloka | Independent | 80 | 2.93 | |
ʻAna Kanume Bing Fonua | Independent | 79 | 2.90 | |
Sione Keuate Tupouniua | Independent | 62 | 2.27 | |
Barry Smith Taukolo | Independent | 49 | 1.80 | |
ʻEliesa Fifita | Independent | 14 | 0.51 | |
Total | 2,727 | 100.00 | ||
Valid votes | 2,727 | 99.74 | ||
Invalid/blank votes | 7 | 0.26 | ||
Total votes | 2,734 | 100.00 | ||
Source: Tonga Elections |
Candidate | Party | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Semisi Sika | Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands | 1,111 | 52.09 | |
Sione Tuʻitavake Fonua | Langafonua 'a e Masiva | 465 | 21.80 | |
Soane Patita Vakautafefine Fifita | Independent | 277 | 12.99 | |
ʻEma Rererangi Fonua Stephenson | Independent | 260 | 12.19 | |
Fisiʻipeau Faiva | Independent | 20 | 0.94 | |
Total | 2,133 | 100.00 | ||
Valid votes | 2,133 | 99.86 | ||
Invalid/blank votes | 3 | 0.14 | ||
Total votes | 2,136 | 100.00 | ||
Source: Tonga Elections |
Candidate | Party | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Siaosi Sovaleni | Independent | 1,421 | 44.34 | |
Tevita Palu | Independent | 932 | 29.08 | |
Katalina Tohi | Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands | 607 | 18.94 | |
Mele Teusivi ʻAmanaki | Independent | 159 | 4.96 | |
Sitiveni Halapua | Independent | 83 | 2.59 | |
Tonga Soane | Independent | 3 | 0.09 | |
Total | 3,205 | 100.00 | ||
Valid votes | 3,205 | 99.84 | ||
Invalid/blank votes | 5 | 0.16 | ||
Total votes | 3,210 | 100.00 | ||
Source: Tonga Elections |
Candidate | Party | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Mateni Tapueluelu | Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands | 1,469 | 60.80 | |
Seketi Foʻou Fuko | Independent | 388 | 16.06 | |
ʻIsileli Pulu | Langafonua 'a e Masiva | 216 | 8.94 | |
Tevita Mateitalo Makameimoana Motulalo | Independent | 138 | 5.71 | |
Poli Tuaileva | Independent | 136 | 5.63 | |
Litia Simpson | Independent | 69 | 2.86 | |
Total | 2,416 | 100.00 | ||
Valid votes | 2,416 | 99.75 | ||
Invalid/blank votes | 6 | 0.25 | ||
Total votes | 2,422 | 100.00 | ||
Source: Tonga Elections |
Candidate | Party | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Losaline Maʻasi | Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands | 1,034 | 35.40 | |
ʻAisake Eke | Langafonua 'a e Masiva | 953 | 32.63 | |
ʻAna Hauʻalofaʻia Koloto | Independent | 527 | 18.04 | |
Feʻofaʻaki Taufonua Latu | Independent | 311 | 10.65 | |
Viliami Kini Mangisi | Independent | 96 | 3.29 | |
Total | 2,921 | 100.00 | ||
Valid votes | 2,921 | 99.80 | ||
Invalid/blank votes | 6 | 0.20 | ||
Total votes | 2,927 | 100.00 | ||
Source: Tonga Elections |
Candidate | Party | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Poasi Tei | Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands | 1,425 | 48.77 | |
Soane Taiofonongahina ʻAhio | Independent | 672 | 23.00 | |
Siosifa Tuʻitupou Tuʻutafaiva | Langafonua 'a e Masiva | 425 | 14.54 | |
Sione Tatafu Angakehe Tafuna | Independent | 325 | 11.12 | |
Fisiʻitotoa ʻAhohiva Kaufusi | Independent | 75 | 2.57 | |
Total | 2,922 | 100.00 | ||
Valid votes | 2,922 | 99.83 | ||
Invalid/blank votes | 5 | 0.17 | ||
Total votes | 2,927 | 100.00 | ||
Source: Tonga Elections |
Candidate | Party | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Sione Vuna Faʻotusia | Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands | 1,273 | 48.74 | |
Sione Sangster Saulala | Langafonua 'a e Masiva | 726 | 27.79 | |
Mavaetangi Manavahetau | Independent | 217 | 8.31 | |
Sione Hufanga | Independent | 191 | 7.31 | |
ʻOlikoni Tanaki | Independent | 133 | 5.09 | |
Talanoa Fuka Kitekeiʻaho | Independent | 63 | 2.41 | |
Tevita Silatolu | Independent | 9 | 0.34 | |
Total | 2,612 | 100.00 | ||
Valid votes | 2,612 | 99.85 | ||
Invalid/blank votes | 4 | 0.15 | ||
Total votes | 2,616 | 100.00 | ||
Source: Tonga Elections |
Candidate | Party | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Semisi Fakahau | Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands | 1,182 | 46.90 | |
Viliami Sisifa | Independent | 596 | 23.65 | |
Penisimani Teisina | Independent | 484 | 19.21 | |
Mosaʻati Vaipulu | Independent | 187 | 7.42 | |
Viliami Kilisimasi Taufa | Independent | 71 | 2.82 | |
Total | 2,520 | 100.00 | ||
Valid votes | 2,520 | 99.76 | ||
Invalid/blank votes | 6 | 0.24 | ||
Total votes | 2,526 | 100.00 | ||
Source: Tonga Elections |
Candidate | Party | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Penisimani Fifita | Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands | 1,302 | 49.75 | |
Siamelie Latu | Independent | 537 | 20.52 | |
Vika Vaka Fusimalohi | Independent | 488 | 18.65 | |
Timote Tuʻiono Oliveti Laume | Independent | 290 | 11.08 | |
Total | 2,617 | 100.00 | ||
Valid votes | 2,617 | 99.96 | ||
Invalid/blank votes | 1 | 0.04 | ||
Total votes | 2,618 | 100.00 | ||
Source: Tonga Elections |
Candidate | Party | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Pōhiva Tuʻiʻonetoa | Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands | 1,631 | 58.17 | |
Soane Kautai | Independent | 593 | 21.15 | |
Loupua Kuli | Independent | 406 | 14.48 | |
Daniel Kimball Fale | Independent | 174 | 6.21 | |
Total | 2,804 | 100.00 | ||
Valid votes | 2,804 | 99.86 | ||
Invalid/blank votes | 4 | 0.14 | ||
Total votes | 2,808 | 100.00 | ||
Source: Tonga Elections |
Candidate | Party | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Tevita Lavemaau | Independent | 789 | 37.46 | |
Taniela Fusimalohi | Independent | 519 | 24.64 | |
Sunia Fili | Langafonua 'a e Masiva | 476 | 22.60 | |
Sunia Kauvaka Havea | Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands | 310 | 14.72 | |
Hale Telepo | Independent | 6 | 0.28 | |
Silivia Loumaile Mahe | Independent | 6 | 0.28 | |
Total | 2,106 | 100.00 | ||
Valid votes | 2,106 | 99.91 | ||
Invalid/blank votes | 2 | 0.09 | ||
Total votes | 2,108 | 100.00 | ||
Source: Tonga Elections |
Candidate | Party | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Moʻale Finau | Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands | 635 | 39.84 | |
Viliami Hingano | Independent | 588 | 36.89 | |
Finau Pulotu Uata | Independent | 371 | 23.27 | |
Total | 1,594 | 100.00 | ||
Valid votes | 1,594 | 99.75 | ||
Invalid/blank votes | 4 | 0.25 | ||
Total votes | 1,598 | 100.00 | ||
Source: Tonga Elections |
Candidate | Party | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Veivosa Taka | Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands | 905 | 56.88 | |
ʻEsafe Hema Latu | Independent | 589 | 37.02 | |
ʻElikisoni Langi | Independent | 97 | 6.10 | |
Total | 1,591 | 100.00 | ||
Valid votes | 1,591 | 99.81 | ||
Invalid/blank votes | 3 | 0.19 | ||
Total votes | 1,594 | 100.00 | ||
Source: Tonga Elections |
Candidate | Party | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Saia Piukala | Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands | 1,366 | 61.28 | |
Latu Niua Lepolo | Independent | 495 | 22.21 | |
Matini Fatanitavake Maʻafu-ʻo-Veikune T. Veikune | Independent | 368 | 16.51 | |
Total | 2,229 | 100.00 | ||
Valid votes | 2,229 | 99.91 | ||
Invalid/blank votes | 2 | 0.09 | ||
Total votes | 2,231 | 100.00 | ||
Source: Tonga Elections |
Candidate | Party | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Samiu Vaipulu | Independent | 684 | 32.33 | |
Tomifa Faingaʻa Paea | Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands | 608 | 28.73 | |
Kulufeinga ʻAnisi Bloomfield | Independent | 494 | 23.35 | |
Keuli Pasina Lavaki | Independent | 184 | 8.70 | |
Sinali Feʻiloaki Hansen | Independent | 83 | 3.92 | |
Tongovua Fifita | Independent | 63 | 2.98 | |
Total | 2,116 | 100.00 | ||
Valid votes | 2,116 | 99.76 | ||
Invalid/blank votes | 5 | 0.24 | ||
Total votes | 2,121 | 100.00 | ||
Source: Tonga Elections |
Candidate | Party | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
ʻAkosita Lavulavu | Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands | 935 | 42.99 | |
Viliami Latu | Independent | 748 | 34.39 | |
ʻAtalasa Misilemoti Pouvalu | Independent | 296 | 13.61 | |
Viliami Lolohea | Independent | 174 | 8.00 | |
ʻAisea Silivenusi | Independent | 22 | 1.01 | |
Total | 2,175 | 100.00 | ||
Valid votes | 2,175 | 99.77 | ||
Invalid/blank votes | 5 | 0.23 | ||
Total votes | 2,180 | 100.00 | ||
Source: Tonga Elections |
Candidate | Party | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Vatau Hui | Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands | 438 | 51.11 | |
Sosefo Feʻaomoeata Vakata | Independent | 419 | 48.89 | |
Total | 857 | 100.00 | ||
Valid votes | 857 | 100.00 | ||
Invalid/blank votes | 0 | 0.00 | ||
Total votes | 857 | 100.00 | ||
Source: Tonga Elections |
Nobles
Constituency | Elected candidate | Votes |
---|---|---|
‘Eua | Lord Nuku | 10 |
Ha‘apai | Lord Tuʻihaʻangana | 5 |
Fatafehi Fakafanua | 3 | |
Niuatoputapu and Niuafo'ou | Mataʻiʻulua ʻi Fonuamotu | 3 |
Tongatapu | Sialeʻataongo Tuʻivakanō | 12 |
Maʻafu Tukuiʻaulahi | 11 | |
Lord Vaha‘i | 7 | |
Vava‘u | Malakai Fakatoufifita | 6 |
Tonga Tuʻiʻafitu | 5 | |
Source: Radio New Zealand |
References
- ^ "Tonga's general election set for November 16". 6 September 2017.
- ^ "Tongan King dissolves parliament, calls fresh elections". Radio New Zealand. 26 August 2017. Retrieved 29 August 2017.
- ^ "Tonga speaker claims govt's thirst for power drove him to King". Radio New Zealand. 29 August 2017. Retrieved 29 August 2017.
- ^ "86 candidates contesting 17 seats". Matangi Tonga. 29 September 2017. Retrieved 29 September 2017.
- ^ "Tongan Parliament elects Pōhiva as PM for next four years". Asia Pacific Report. Retrieved 3 January 2018.
- ^ Electoral system IPU
- ^ a b Last elections IPU
- ^ a b "Tongan Democrat landslide delivers numbers for Pohiva government". Asia Pacific Report. 17 November 2017. Archived from the original on 16 November 2017. Retrieved 17 November 2017.
- ^ "General Parliamentary Election Results 2017". Tonga Electoral Commission. Archived from the original on 20 December 2017.
- ^ IFES
- ^ "Tonga 2017 General Election Results". Matangi Tonga. 16 November 2017. Archived from the original on 18 November 2017. Retrieved 16 November 2017.