The Tongan general election has formally begun with Fotofili confirmed as the sole noble candidate.
Prince Kalaniuvalu Fotofili was declared the Noble Representative for the Niuas after standing unopposed, marking an early milestone in Tonga’s election timeline.
With Fotofili’s uncontested nomination confirmed, the broader national electoral process is now in motion ahead of polling scheduled for 20 November.
Registration of candidates closed on 9 October at 3:00 pm, with a total of 71 candidates submitted to contest the 17 people’s representative seats, every incumbent running again.
Tongatapu 7 and Tongatapu 8 drew the most interest, each with seven candidates. They are closely followed by Tongatapu 6 and 12, which each feature six contenders.
In the noble race, 14 nobles have declared for nine available seats. Fotofili’s declaration means he automatically retains the Niuas seat.
Supervisor of Elections Pita Vuki confirmed that “there was only one candidate for the two Niuas which means Prince Fotofili is the nobles rep for the two islands.”
Noble candidates include Lord Lasike, Lord Ma’afu, Lord Nuku, Lord Tu’ivakano, Lord Vaea and Lord Veéhala for the Tongatapu seats; Lord Nuku, Lord Lasike, Lord Tu’ivakano and Veéhala for ’Eua; and four nobles contesting the two seats in Vava’u and two in Ha’apai.
Parliament concluded its 2025 session in August and launched the campaign period for the November vote.
The 20 November election will select both nobles and people’s representatives for Tonga’s Legislative Assembly.
Citizens vote for the 17 people’s seats, while 33 hereditary nobles and a small number of life peers elect the nine nobles’ seats.
Under a recent amendment, noble candidates now require clearance from the Supreme Court and Magistrates’ Court before running.
This election follows a period of political change.
Dr ʻAisake Eke became prime minister in January 2025 following the resignation of Siaosi Sovaleni in December 2024 ahead of a no-confidence vote.
Tonga’s constitutional monarchy allows significant royal powers, including veto and parliamentary dissolution, fuelling ongoing debates about democratic balance.
As polling day draws near, contests in key constituencies across Tongatapu and the outer islands promise an engaged and closely watched election.
Elections will take place on Thursday 20 November, 2025. Election for the Nobles’ representatives will be be held from 10am – 12pm. The People’s representatives will be held from 9am to 4pm.
