2010 Tongan general election

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Early general elections under a new electoral law were held in Tonga on 25 November 2010.[1] 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,[2][3] and were preceded by a programme of constitutional reform.[4] 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.[5] The Taimi Media Network described it as "Tonga’s first democratically elected Parliament".[6]

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.[7]

Background

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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.[5][8] 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.[5]

The changes come in the wake of violent pro-democracy demonstrations in November 2006,[12][13] 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.[14] The changes have been fully supported by the king.[15][16] 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".[8]

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:

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"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."

— Template:Comma separated entries

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Analysts, however, have said they are not yet certain what effective changes the political shift would bring.[5] The king retains the power of veto over certain laws, as well as the power to dismiss the government.[17]

Election

People's representatives

Voter registration closed on 31 August, with approximately 42,000 voters registering.[8][18] 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.[19]

Candidates were registered on 21 and 22 October, with 147 candidates contesting the 17 constituencies.[20] 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.[20] Ten candidates were women.[21] Only three of the incumbent Cabinet contested the elections.[22]

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.[23] The suffering economy was seen as the most significant priority for the campaigners.[13] According to the World Bank, up to 40% of Tongans live on or below the poverty line.[13] 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.[17]

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".[24] 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."[13]

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.[25][26]

Results

According to election officials, approximately 89% of the 42,000 registered voters cast ballots.[5] A delegation of fourteen observers from Australia and New Zealand were in Tonga to observe the election.[13] Reports said they were pleased at the way the election had been managed.[17]

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.[8] 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.[29]

Template:Election results

People's representatives

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

Noble representatives

The nobles' representatives are:[30]

Tongan general election, 2010: Tongatapu (3 members)
Candidate Votes % ±
Lord Tu'ivakano 13
Lord Ma'afu 10
Lord Vaea 8

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Tongan general election, 2010: Vavaʻu (2 members)
Candidate Votes % ±
Lord Tu'ilakepa 4
Lord Tu'i'afitu 4

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Tongan general election, 2010: ʻEua (1 member)
Candidate Votes % ±
Lord Lasike 6

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Tongan general election, 2010: Niuas (1 member)
Candidate Votes % ±
Lord Fusitu'a 1

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Tongan general election, 2010: Haʻapai (2 members)
Candidate Votes % ±
Lord Tu'iha'teiho 4
Lord Fakafanua 4

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

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.[34] MPs will then vote by secret ballot in one or more rounds, until a candidate is elected.[34]

On 3 December 2010 the King appointed Lord Tupou as interim Speaker.[35]

The three MPs from Vava'u are considered to be pro-monarchy.[36]

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.[37] He joined a bloc of 15 members, including all nine noble representatives and five other people's representatives, to jointly nominate a Prime Minister.[38]

The DPFI rejected these claims and stated it still expects to form the government.[39] A vote was scheduled for 17 December, but then delayed to 20 December.[36]

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.[40]

On 20 December 2010 Samuela 'Akilisi Pohiva and Siale'ataonga Tu'ivakano were nominated for Prime Minister.[41] The election was postponed to 21 December 2010.[42] Tu'ivakano was elected by 14 votes to 12.[43]

On 31 December Tu'ivakano named his cabinet, which included six people's representatives, three nobles, and two commoners appointed from outside Parliament.[44]

References

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  1. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  2. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  3. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  4. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  5. ↑ a b c d e Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  6. ↑ "Absence of PM from opening of Parliament questioned"Template:Category handler[<span title="Script error: No such module "string".">usurped]Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters"., Taimi Media Network, 9 June 2011
  7. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  8. ↑ a b c d Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  9. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  10. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  11. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  12. ↑ a b c Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  13. ↑ a b c d e Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  14. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  15. ↑ a b c Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  16. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  17. ↑ a b c Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  18. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  19. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  20. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  21. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  22. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  23. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  24. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  25. ↑ "Nobles prepare for Elections of district electoral representatives" Template:Webarchive, Tongan Ministry of Information, 17 November 2010
  26. ↑ "Nobles" Template:Webarchive, government of Tonga
  27. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1"..
  28. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  29. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  30. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  31. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  32. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  33. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  34. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  35. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  36. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  37. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  38. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  39. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  40. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  41. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  42. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  43. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  44. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".

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External links

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