A Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Election Observer Mission is currently in Tonga to observe the Kingdom’s general election today Thursday, 20 November 2025.
The Forum’s Observer Mission was invited by the Tonga Electoral Commission to observe the polling process as voters cast their ballots to elect their representatives to Parliament.
Consultations with key electoral stakeholders commenced on 17 November, with the Mission set to observe polling on 20 November followed by the counting process.
The Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, Baron Waqa, expressed appreciation to the Government of the Kingdom of Tonga for its invitation for the Pacific Islands Forum to field an Observer Mission, noting the invitation reflected the Kingdom’s enduring commitment to democratic values and principles cherished across the Blue Pacific.
“There is no better way to shape a nation’s future than through free and fair elections, conducted in accordance with its democratic processes,” said Secretary General Waqa.
The Observer Mission comprises Taggy Tangimetua, Government Statistician and Chief Electoral Officer of the Cook Islands, and representatives of the Pacific Disability Forum, Sovaia Sisi Rokocavolioli, Acting Manager of the Inclusive Department and Telesia Ofa’ehe Otua Kobiti, Programme Officer.
The mission is supported by staff of the Forum Secretariat.
The Forum’s Election Observer Missions are facilitated under the Biketawa Declaration (2000), the Pacific’s regional commitment to the principles of good governance, human rights, and democratic processes.
