By Jean Marc ‘Ake, USP intern
The November general election in Tonga is just around the corner and all 71 registered candidates’ campaigning efforts are well in motion.
While some have sat down face to face with their respective constituents others have made their online presence felt.
Though there is a drop in the number of candidates, a trend since 2010, this year’s election is gearing up to be one of the most competitive yet.
Tongatapu 7 and Tongatapu 8 hosts the most candidates with 7 candidates each, which will make up for an interesting contest.
Meanwhile, the least number of candidates are Tongatapu 2, Tongatapu 3, and Vava’u 16 – with 2 candidates each, which could produce possible tight contests or landslide victories.
For Tongatapu 2 Dr ‘Uhilamoelangi Fasi the Minister of Lands will look to make it two in a row against opponent Semisi Sika the former Acting Prime Minister during the Pohiva administration.
Last time the two locked horns was at the 2021 general elections in which Fasi had won by 166 votes over Sika.
In Tongatapu 3, former Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni will look to make his way back into parliament against Gabreiella Blake ‘Ilolahia.
In 2021, Hu’akavameiliku took home over 80 percent of the votes for Tongatapu 3 against ‘Ilolahia and Fisi’peau Faiva.
Another contest to keep an eye out for is Vava’u 16 which is between Tourism Minister Viliami Uasike Latu and former member of parliament the popular ‘Etuate Lavulavu.
Lavulavu was last in parliament before he lost his seat in 2016 after being convicted of bribery.
Now he is back after having fraud charges against him and his wife a former cabinet minister – ‘Akosita Lavulavu were quashed.
Tevita Puloka won the Tongatapu 1 seat in 2021 with almost 60 percent of the overall votes. In second place was his predecessor and son of the late ‘Akilisi Pohiva – Siaosi Pohiva.
Puloka is once again facing off against Pohiva and Eliesa Fifita.
Pohiva’s brother ‘Akilisi Pohiva II is running for the Ha’apai 13 seat.
Incumbent members that are in the race include Tevita Puloka (Tongatapu 1), Dr ‘Uhilamoelagi Fasi (Tongatapu 2), Hu’akavameiliku (Tongatapu 3), Mateni Tapueluelu (Tongatapu 4), Dr ‘Aisake Valu Eke (Tongatapu 5), Dulcie Elaine Tei (Tongatapu 6), Paula Piveni Piukala (Tongatapu 7), Johnny Grattan Vaea Taione (Tongatapu 8), Sevinitini Toumoua (Tongatapu 9) and Kapelieli Lanumata (Tongatapu 10).
For Tongatapu 4, Tapueluelu is battling Viliami Takau and Vili Fonolahi Pese otherwise known as Sione Laulaupea’alu.
Tapueluelu lost to Tatafu Moeaki in 2021 who was unseated in 2022 after being found guilty of bribery. He was succeeded by Tapueluelu.
The Prime Minister – ‘Aisake Eke won by his seat by a healthy margin in 2021 but this year he faces fresh faces Adi Pasikala and Hekisou Fifita.
Meanwhile in the Nobles realm, current MPs who represent Tongatapu include Lord Vaea, Lord Tui’vakano and Lord Fohe, who won’t be seeking a re-election this year.
Lord Nuku is the ‘Eua representative is Lord Nuku, while Lord Tui’ha’angana and Lord Fakafanua represent Ha’apai.
For Vava’u there’s Lord Tui’afitu and Lord Tui’lakepa and Prince Kalaniuvalu Fotofili the representative of the two Niuas.
Lord Lasike, Lord Ma’afu, Lord Nuku, Lord Tuívakano, Lord Vaea and Lord Veéhala are contesting for the three Tongatapu seats.
Lord Nuku the current holder of the lone ‘Eua seat will try to resecure his place against Lord Lasike, Lord Tuívakano and Lord Veéhala.
Current Speaker of Parliament Lord Tu’ivakano and fellow Ha’apai representative Lord Tui’ha’angana will have Lord Tui’ha’ateiho as the third candidate for Ha’apai’s two seats.
Both Vava’u members Lord Tui’afitu and Lord Tui’lakepa face Lord Fulivai and Lord Luani as the four vying for the two Vava’u seats.
Prince Fotofili is the only candidate for the two Niuas and by default has retained his seat.
The Nobles election will be held from 10am to 12pm on November 20th with the people’s representative election likely to conclude later in the day.
On Thursday, during the soft closing of parliament, Lord Tu’i Ha’ateiho, accompanied by Lord Luani and Lord Ve’ehala, delivered the royal address on behalf of King Tupou VI.
During the address Tu’i Ha’ateiho stressed the importance of the Legislative Assembly and the Government adhering to the constitution and law, in order to uphold the national identity and character that define Tonga’s values.
He said these values have been cherished and are a legacy of the country’s ancestors which will guide the leaders in both government and society.
“It is my desire that our people be known as prayerful and educated, and that they live lives characterized by humility, respect, and compassion.”
“There are now many opportunities for Tongans to work overseas. However, it is necessary to ensure that those who travel abroad under employment schemes are well-prepared, especially in English language and communication skills, to meet the demands of overseas employers.”
“It is therefore important for us to prepare our workforce to meet the needs of foreign labour markets, which will contribute to the country’s economic growth in the near future. In this, I also urge that the upcoming Parliamentary election be conducted peacefully and with wisdom,” he said.
