2021 Tongan general election explained

Country:Tonga
Type:parliamentary
Previous Election:2017 Tongan general election
Previous Year:2017
Next Election:Next Tongan general election
Next Year:Next
Seats For Election:17 of the 26 seats in the Legislative Assembly
Election Date:18 November 2021
Turnout:61.92%
Image1:Semisi Sika May 2019.jpg
Leader1:Semisi Sika
Party1:Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands
Seats1:3
Seat Change1: 11
Seats Before1:14
Leader2:Pōhiva Tuʻiʻonetoa
Party2:Tonga People's Party
Seats2:1
Seat Change2: 1
Seats Before2:New
Prime Minister
Before Election:Pōhiva Tuʻiʻonetoa
Before Party:Tonga People's Party
After Election:Siaosi Sovaleni
After Party:Independent politician

General elections were held in Tonga on 18 November 2021 to elect 17 of the 26 seats in the Legislative Assembly.[1]

Following the elections, four MPs were unseated for bribery.[2]

Background

The 2017 general election resulted in a landslide victory for the Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands (Tonga (Tonga Islands);: Paati Temokalati ʻa e ʻOtu Motu ʻAngaʻofa, or PTOA),[3] and ʻAkilisi Pōhiva was re-elected as Prime Minister, defeating former Deputy Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni 14 votes to 12.[4] In September 2019 Pohiva died,[5] and Pohiva Tuʻiʻonetoa was elected as Prime Minister with the support of the nobles, independent MPs, and 5 former members of the DPFI.[6] [7] His cabinet included three nobles, who had previously been excluded under Pohiva.[8]

In December 2020 Democratic party leader Semisi Sika submitted a motion of no-confidence in Prime Minister Tuʻiʻonetoa.[9] The motion was backed by Deputy Prime Minister Sione Vuna Fa'otusia,[10] who subsequently resigned from Cabinet.[9] [11] The Legislative Assembly rejected the no-confidence motion 13-9 on 12 January 2021.[12]

Following ʻAkilisi Pōhiva's death the PTOA fragmented, with rivalries emerging between Siaosi Pohiva and his brother-in-law Mateni Tapueluelu.[13] In the leadup to the election this led to a formal split, with Pohiva leaving the party's board and "core team".[14]

In the leadup to the election Infrastructure and Tourism Minister ʻAkosita Lavulavu and her husband ʻEtuate Lavulavu, who had previously served as a Minister, were both convicted of obtaining money by false pretenses[15] [16] and sentenced to six years in prison by the Supreme Court.[17] [18]

Electoral system

The Legislative Assembly of Tonga has up to 30 members, of whom 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.[19] Nine seats are held by members of the nobility, who elect representatives amongst themselves.[20] 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.[20] Around 60,000 voters were eligible to vote.[21]

Campaign

Parliament was dissolved on 16 September.[22] 75 candidates, including 12 women, registered to contest the election.[23] [24] One candidate, Sione Fonua, later withdrew, while a second one died, leaving 73 candidates in total.[25] Despite a week-long lockdown due to a COVID-19 case, the election was not delayed.[26]

Prime Minister Pohiva Tuʻiʻonetoa did not promote his Tonga People's Party during the campaign, and several Ministers ran as independents.[27]

Results

Voters elected an all-male parliament, with nine new people's representatives.[28] The leaders of both Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands (PTOA), Semisi Sika and Siaosi Pōhiva, lost their seats, as did other senior PTOA MP's.[29] While the PTOA won majorities in most constituencies, vote-splitting between the rival factions saw them lose seats to independent candidates.[30] Only three PTOA candidates were elected: Semisi Fakahau, Veivosa Taka and Saia Piukala.[31] The People's Party formally retained only one seat,[32] but may name its members after the elections.[33]

The Electoral Commission reported that voter turnout was 62%.[34]

Nobles

ConstituencyElectedVotes
‘EuaLord Nuku11
Ha‘apaiLord Tu‘iha‘angana5
Fatafehi Fakafanua4
NiuasPrince Fotofili2
TongatapuSialeʻataongo Tuʻivakanō12
ʻAlipate Tuʻivanuavou Vaea13
Sione Siale Fohe10
VavaʻuMalakai Fakatoufifita8
Tonga Tuʻiʻafitu9
align=left colspan=3Source: Matangi Tonga

Aftermath

Following the election Viliami Tangi was appointed interim Speaker.[35] Three candidates initially announced their candidacy for Prime Minister: Interim Prime Minister Pohiva Tuʻiʻonetoa, former Finance Minister ʻAisake Eke, and former Deputy Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni.[36] [37] Tuʻiʻonetoa later withdrew his candidacy, leaving Sovaleni as the frontrunner.[38]

The Legislative Assembly met on 15 December to elect a Prime Minister, with both Sovaleni and Eke being nominated.[39] Sovaleni was elected with 16 votes.[40] [41] Fatafehi Fakafanua was re-elected as Speaker.[42] Sovaleni was formally appointed Prime Minister on 27 December,[43] and announced his cabinet on 29 December.[44] [45] parliament was formally opened on 11 January 2022.[46]

Following the election Pōhiva Tuʻiʻonetoa was found guilty of bribery in an election petition and stripped of his seat.[47] [48] Sangster Saulala was found guilty of two counts of bribery on 2 May 2022 and his election declared void.[49] [50] Tatafu Moeaki was found guilty of bribery on 6 May,[51] and Poasi Tei on 13 May.[52] Election petitions against Tevita Puloka and 'Uhilamoelangi Fasi were unsuccessful.[2] On 26 May 2022 the convictions were stayed pending appeal.[53] On 9 August 2022 the appeals by Saulala, Tei and Moeaki were dismissed, and their elections were confirmed as void.[54] Tu’i’onetoa's appeal was upheld and he remains in parliament.[55] [56] Saulala, Tei and Moeaki were formally unseated by Parliament and their seats declared vacant on 10 August,[57] sparking the 2022 Tongatapu by-elections.[58]

Notes and References

  1. https://www.parliament.gov.to/media-centre/latest-news/latest-news-in-english/845-tonga-general-election-set-for-november-18 Tonga general election set for November 18
  2. Web site: Four MPs have now lost seats in Tonga . RNZ . 13 May 2022 . 13 May 2022.
  3. Web site: Landslide victory for Democrats in Tongan election . New Zealand Herald . 16 November 2017 . 15 June 2020.
  4. Web site: Pohiva retains Tonga prime ministership . Radio New Zealand . 18 December 2017 . 15 June 2020.
  5. Web site: Tongan PM 'Akilisi Pohiva dies, aged 78 . Radio New Zealand . 12 September 2019 . 12 September 2019.
  6. Web site: Parliament elects Dr Pōhiva Tu'i'onetoa as new PM. The World News. 2019-10-27.
  7. Web site: Tonga MPs choose Tu'i'onetoa as new prime minister . Radio New Zealand . 27 September 2019 . 14 December 2020.
  8. Web site: New Tonga PM: 'We need to be united' . Radio New Zealand . 4 October 2019 . 14 December 2020.
  9. Web site: Tonga Deputy PM resigns amidst no confidence motion . Radio New Zealand . 14 December 2020 . 14 December 2020.
  10. Web site: PM Pōhiva Tu'i'onetoa "has to go" says Deputy PM Vuna Fa'otusia as he and others submit vote of no confidence motion against PM . Kaniva Tonga . 10 December 2020 . 10 December 2020.
  11. Web site: Deputy PM Fa'otusia resigns from Cabinet . Pesi Fonua . Matangi Tonga . 14 December 2020 . 14 December 2020 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20201214052312/https://matangitonga.to/2020/12/14/deputy-pm-fa-otusia-resigns-cabinet . 14 December 2020.
  12. Web site: Tonga's PM survives motion of no confidence . Radio New Zealand . 13 January 2021 . 13 January 2021.
  13. Web site: Will the PTOA Party survive the latest crisis in leadership? . Kalafi Moala . Fangongo . 11 March 2021 . 19 November 2021 . 26 November 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211126183002/https://fangongomediawatch.com/breaking-news/will-the-ptoa-party-survive-the-latest-crisis-in-leadership/ . dead .
  14. Web site: Why Siaosi Pohiva quit the ruling board of PTOA? . Talanoa O Tonga . 9 August 2021 . 19 November 2021.
  15. Web site: Lavulavu couple plundered education fund, used political connections to steal money, Judgment finds . Matangi Tonga . 4 June 2021 . 5 June 2021.
  16. Web site: Tongan cabinet minister convicted of major fraud . RNZ . 5 June 2021 . 5 June 2021.
  17. News: Tongan MP and former MP sentenced to six years jail . 2 July 2021 . . 2 July 2021.
  18. Web site: Judge points to serious breach of trust in Lavulavu couple's criminal offending . Matangi Tonga . 2 July 2021 . 2 July 2021.
  19. Web site: TONGA (Fale Alea), Electoral system. 2021-02-14. Inter-Parliamentary Union.
  20. Web site: TONGA (Fale Alea), Last elections. 2021-02-14. Inter-Parliamentary Union.
  21. Web site: 18 November 2021. Polls in Tonga open for 2021 election. 18 November 2021. RNZ.
  22. Web site: King Tupou VI: Tonga faces many challenges in election year . Matangi Tonga . 16 September 2021 . 17 September 2021 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20210916222312/https://matangitonga.to/2021/09/16/king-tupou-vi-tonga-faces-many-challenges-election-year . 16 September 2021.
  23. Web site: 75 candidates register for November 18 General Election . Matangi Tonga . 30 September 2021 . 30 September 2021 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20210930005604/https://matangitonga.to/2021/09/29/75-candidates-tonga-registered . 30 September 2021.
  24. Web site: New-look Tongan parliament likely . RNZ . 30 September 2021 . 30 September 2021.
  25. Web site: Two removed, 73 candidates remain for General Election . Matangi Tonga . 11 November 2021 . 12 November 2021 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20211111101133/https://matangitonga.to/2021/11/11/two-removed-73-candidates-remain-general-election . 11 November 2021.
  26. Web site: Tonga's Nov. 18 General Election not delayed . Matangi Tonga . 3 November 2021 . 12 November 2021 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20211105014557/https://matangitonga.to/2021/11/03/tongas-nov-18-general-election-not-delayed . 5 November 2021.
  27. Web site: Is the Prime Minister's party still functioning? PAK name missing from Cabinet Ministers' campaign literature . Kaniva Tonga . Kalino Latu . 18 October 2021 . 22 November 2021.
  28. Web site: Twelve new MPs in Tonga election - but no women elected . RNZ . 19 November 2021 . 19 November 2021.
  29. Web site: Tonga elects all-male parliament with nine new People's Reps . Matangi Tonga . 18 November 2021 . 18 November 2021 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20211118122442/https://matangitonga.to/2021/11/19/tonga-elects-all-male-parliament-nine-new-peoples-reps . 18 November 2021.
  30. Web site: A sobering reality hits PTOA after election losses; voters elect nine new faces . Kaniva Tonga . 18 November 2021 . 19 November 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211118220739/https://www.kanivatonga.nz/2021/11/a-sobering-reality-hits-ptoa-after-election-losses-voters-elect-nine-new-independent-faces/ . 18 November 2021.
  31. News: New faces, no women and disappointments . Nukualofa Times . 19 November 2021 . 22 November 2021 . 23 November 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211123015751/https://nukualofatimes.to/2021/11/19/new-faces-no-woman-and-disappointments/ . dead .
  32. News: Election 2021 – the end of an era! . Talanoa O Tonga . Kalafi Moala . 20 November 2021 . 22 November 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211121105855/https://talanoaotonga.com/election-2021-the-end-of-an-era/. 21 November 2021. dead.
  33. Web site: Party MPs, independents and Nobles prepare to make deals and form alliances to elect PM . Kaniva Tonga . 22 November 2021 . 22 November 2021.
  34. Web site: Election results reveal end to Akalisi Pohiva legacy in Tonga. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 19 November 2021 . 19 November 2021.
  35. Web site: Lord Tangi is interim Speaker of the House . Nukualofa Times . 22 November 2021 . 22 November 2021 . 22 November 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211122053856/https://nukualofatimes.to/2021/11/22/lord-tangi-is-interim-speaker-of-the-house/ . dead .
  36. Web site: Tonga: Three contenders for prime minister's job . RNZ . 7 December 2021 . 7 December 2021.
  37. Web site: ANALYSIS: Tonga in search for viable, credible PM; the best of best has yet to come . Kaniva Tonga . 6 December 2021 . 7 December 2021.
  38. Web site: First photo emerges as Sovaleni gets support of 11 MPs; Tu'i'onetoa allegedly withdraws from premiership race . Kaniva Tonga . 7 December 2021 . 7 December 2021.
  39. Web site: Two nominees for PM Designate revealed, meeting underway . Matangi Tonga . 15 December 2021 . 15 December 2021.
  40. Web site: Emotional, Siaosi Sovaleni elected PM Designate . Matangi Tonga . 15 December 2021 . 15 December 2021.
  41. Web site: MPs choose Siaosi Sovaleni as new prime minister . Kaniva Tonga . 15 December 2021 . 15 December 2021.
  42. Web site: School drop-outs, illegal drugs and health three major concerns for Tonga's new PM Designate . Matangi Tonga . 15 December 2021 . 16 December 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211215071139/https://matangitonga.to/2021/12/15/three-major-concerns-tonga-new-pm-designate . 15 December 2021.
  43. Web site: King Tupou VI appoints new Prime Minister . Matangi Tonga . 28 December 2021 . 28 December 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211228025031/https://matangitonga.to/2021/12/28/king-appoints-newpm . 28 December 2021.
  44. Web site: PM names new government . Matangi Tonga . 29 December 2021 . 29 December 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211229094621/https://matangitonga.to/2021/12/29/pm-names-new-government . 29 December 2021.
  45. Web site: Tonga's PM names new government . RNZ . 29 December 2021 . 29 December 2021.
  46. Web site: Tonga's King opens Parliament . RNZ . 11 January 2022 . 11 January 2022.
  47. Web site: Disgraced former PM Pōhiva Tu'i'onetoa loses seat through electoral petition: reports . Kaniva Tonga . 29 April 2022 . 1 May 2022.
  48. Web site: If I had wanted to buy votes I would have made sure they got the money, former PM tells court, but judge says bribery occurred, voids election . Philip Cass . Kaniva Tonga . 1 May 2022 . 1 May 2022.
  49. Web site: Saulala 'commits bribery', court says : another Tongan MP loses seat in election petitions . Kaniva Tonga . 2 May 2022 . 2 May 2022.
  50. Web site: Court finds Sangster Saulala committed bribery, Tongatapu no. 7 PR election void . Matangi Tonga . 2 May 2022 . 2 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220502054915/https://matangitonga.to/2022/05/02/court-finds-sangstar-saulala-committed-bribery-tongatapu-no-7-pr-election-void . 2 May 2022.
  51. Web site: Another election result cancelled as Moeaki found guilty of bribery in Tongatapu 4 contest . Kaniva Tonga . 6 May 2022 . 13 May 2022.
  52. Web site: Third Cabinet Minister disqualified as Tei found guilty of bribery in Tongatapu 6 contest . Kaniva Tonga . 13 May 2022. 13 May 2022.
  53. Web site: Convicted Tongan MPs given stay by appeals . RNZ . 26 May 2022 . 26 May 2022.
  54. Web site: Appeals dismissed, three Cabinet Ministers elections void . Matangi Tonga . 9 August 2022 . 10 August 2022.
  55. Web site: Tonga court dismisses three Cabinet Ministers' electoral fraud appeals; upholds former PM's appeal . Kaniva Tonga . 9 August 2022 . 10 August 2022.
  56. Web site: Former PM successful in appeals, others dismissed . Matangi Tonga . Linny Folau . 10 August 2022 . 11 August 2022.
  57. Web site: Three Cabinet Ministers unseated . Matangi Tonga . 10 August 2022 . 11 August 2022.
  58. Web site: Tongatapu by-election date announced by Speaker . Kaniva Tonga . 12 August 2022 . 12 August 2022.

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