After months of anticipation, Niue will go to the polls on Saturday, 02 May for its general election following confirmation in the final sitting of Parliament.
Speaker of the Niue Assembly, Hima Douglas, announced that the Assembly will be dissolved on 27 March, clearing the way for the national vote.
“The assembly will be dissolved on the 27th of March and the general election will be held on Saturday 02 May,” said Douglas.
The announcement comes as a surprise after earlier indications from Prime Minister Dalton Tagelagi that elections could be held later in the year.
In December, Tagelagi had indicated a possible June election and had earlier signalled plans for the Assembly to complete its full three-year term.
Fourteen members attended the final sitting of the 18th Niue Assembly last week, with several members absent overseas.
Minister Esa Mona Ainuu was in Auckland but has since returned, while Minister Crossley Tatui remains there on medical leave.
Common roll members O’love Jacobsen and Billy Talagi are also in Auckland, along with constituency members Tofua Puletama of Makefu and Tutuli Heka of Alofi North.
Prime Minister Tagelagi is currently overseas and is expected to return on 27 March.
In his absence, Sonya Talagi is serving as Acting Prime Minister and Acting Minister of Finance.
Ricky Makani continues as Acting Minister for Infrastructure, while Talaititama Talaiti is Acting Minister for Central Agencies and state-owned enterprises until the Prime Minister returns.
