62,253 votes expected for 26 seats, Tongan Supervisor of Elections calls for people to vote and make it count

By Iliesa Tora

Tongan Supervisor of Elections Pita Viki has two simple message for all 62,253 eligible voters who are going to vote around Tonga from 9am on Thursday, November 18 – go to vote and make it count.

Vuki, who has been the man in the middle of voting in Tonga over the last three general elections and local town elections, says it is critical that people vote.

“And when they go to vote to ensure they vote for the right candidate,” he said.

The total number of registered voters for this election is 62,253.

That is 30,377 male voters (48.80%) and 31,876 (51.20%) female voters.

From the initial 75 candidates who initially registered two had since been removed – one passed away while another withdrew his candidacy.

Voting will start at 9am and will end at 4pm.

Voting centres have been set up around islands of Tongatapu, ‘Eua, Ha’apai. Vava’u and the two Niua’s.

Vuki said they have worked on taking into account the current COVID-19 restrictions and have made voting easier for everyone by having a larger number of voting centres.

Results should be known by late afternoon tomorrow (November 18) and into the night.

There is hope that final results will be known before 11.30pm.

All campaigns were stopped by 9am this morning, as per Elections Office instructions.

There are expected to be tight fights in key Tongatapu constituencies like Tongatapu 1, Tongatapu 2, Tongatapu 4, Tongatapu 5 and Tongatapu 9.

Current Members of Parliament like Dr Rev Pohiva Tuioneto’a, Hu’akavameiliku, Poasi Tei, Samiu Vaipulu, Dr Saia Piukala, Semisi Fakahau and Losalini Ma’asi all look set to retain their seats for another four-year term.

Once results are know the successful People’s Representatives and Nobles reps will then have about two months to work on who will form government.

The nine Nobles will be the key to forming the next government and whoever is able to secure five other members can form government with the nobles.

Otherwise the next bet would be having 14 members getting together to form government.

Interestingly the Democratic Party (PTOA) split under two factions and both factions have fielded candidates.

Vuki said all Tongans who have the right to vote will have the chance to elect their government tomorrow.

He is hopeful that majority will go and vote rather than staying away like the last election.

Here are the list of candidates plus all the polling stations:

CANDIDATES FOR 2021 GENERAL ELECTION.

TONGATAPU 1.
‘Eliesa Fifita – Tufuenga
Tevita Fatafehi Puloka – ‘Isileli
‘Ikani Loneli Taliai – Kolomotu’a
Sione Keuate Tupouniua – Kolomotu’a
Siaosi Vailahi Pohiva – Hala’ovave

TONGATAPU 2
‘Uhilamoelangi Fasi – Kolofo’ou
‘Inoke Fotu Kaseli Kaifahina Pryor Mafile’o – Kolofo’ou
Soane Patita Vakautafefine Fifita – Haveluloto
Sione Tu’itavake Fonua – Kolofo’ou
Semisi Kioa Lafu Sika – Haveluloto

TONGATAPU 3
Siaosi ‘Ofa ki Vahafolau Sovaleni – Ngele’ia
Fisi’ipeau Faiva – Fasi-Moe-Afi-‘a-Tungi
Gabriella Renne Blake ‘Ilolahia – Fasi-Moe-Afi-‘a-Tungi

TONGATAPU 4
Mateni Tapueluelu – Houmakelikao
Tatafu Toma Moeaki – Ma’ufanga
‘Ilaiasi Lelei ‘Ufi – Popua

TONGATAPU 5
‘Aisake Valu Eke – Vaotu’u
Maliu Takai – Fo’ui
Losaline Ma’asi – Ha’avakatolo
‘Akanete Lauti – Te’ekiu

TONGATAPU 6
Poasi Mataele Tei – Hofoa
Fane Fotu Fituafe – Houma

TONGATAPU 7
Taniela Vao – Pea
Paula Piveni Piukala – Ha’ateiho
Sione Sangster Saulala – Tofoa
Feletiliki Teau’imo’unga Fa’otusia – Ha’ateiho
Mele Teusivi ‘Amanaki – Tofoa
‘Emaloni Tau’akiloto Tongi – Ha’ateiho

TONGATAPU 8
Johnny Grattan Vaea Taione – Vaini
Viliami Sisifa – Vaini
Semisi Tauelangi Fakahau – Folaha
Poasi Fonua – Vaini
John Alan Ramsay – Vaini

TONGATAPU 9
Vika Vaka Fusimalohi – Tatakamotonga
Mapa Tautahi ‘Uhila – ‘Alakifonua
Penisimani ‘Epenisa Fifita – Tatakamotonga
Tevita Tukunga – Fua’amotu
Timote Tu’iono ‘Oliveti Laume – Fua’amotu
Sevenitini Toumo’ua – Haveluliku

TONGATAPU 10
Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa – Makaunga
Kapelieli Militoni Lanumata – Lapaha
Vika Taufa Kaufusi – Navutoka

‘EUA 11
Taniela Liku’ohihifo Fusimalohi – ‘Ohonua
Tevita Lavemaau – Petani
Silivia Loumaile Mahe – Angaha
Tevita Faka’osi – Petani

HA’APAI 12
Vili Manuopangai Faka’osiula Hingano – ‘Uiha
Sione Finau Tapu – Holopeka
Saimone Kapetaua Vuki – Felemea
Mo’ale Finau – Hihifo
Sovaleni Maama-Tataki-‘o e-Fononga-Toafa Fifita – Pangai
‘Ana Lautaimi Soakai Takai – Pangai

HA’APAI 13
Milika Fifita Ikahihifo – Pukotala
Veivosa Light of Life Taka – Faleloa
Viliami Paumolevuka – Lotofoa
Pita Halapo’ulia Mohetau – Fotua
Taniela ‘Ahokovi Moli – Faleloa

VAVA’U 14
Saia Ma’u Piukala – Pangaimotu
Paula Penisimani Tatafu – Talihau
Loisi Halaliku – Longomapu
Latu Niua Lepolo – Falevai
Tu’amelie Helotu Kemoe’atu – Falevai

VAVA’U 15
Siosiua ‘Umulovo Toki – Neiafu
Katinia Limiteti Taumalolo – Neiafu
Tomifa Fainga’a Paea – Fungamisi
Samiu Kuita Vaipulu – Neiafu
Keuli Pasina Lavaki – Neiafu

VAVA’U 16
Viliami Uasike Latu – Leimatu’a
Silongo’atonga Samani – Ta’anea
Mapa Ha’ano Jr Taumalolo – Holonga
Seli Uatekini Tu’akalau – Ha’alaufuli

ONGO NIUA 17
Vatau Mefi Hui – Falehau
Sosefo Fe’aomoeata Vakata – Vaipoa
Paea-‘I-Vaha Filimoehala – ‘Esia
‘Aisake Hoatatau Finau – Vaipoa

Polling stations

Tongatapu 1
Kolomotu’a [FWC Hall]
Tongata’eapa [FWC Hall]
Tufuenga [FWC Hall)
Sopu-‘o-Taufa’ahau [FWC Hall)
‘Isileli [FWC Hall]
Hala’ovave [FWC Hall]
Tu’atakilangi [FWC Hall]
Longolongo [FWC Hall]
Vaololoa [FWC Hall]
Kapeta [FWC Hall]

Tongatapu 2
Kolofo’ou [Anglican Church Hall]
Fanga-‘o-Pilolevu [FWC Hall]
Mailetaha [LDS Hall]
Haveluloto [Town Hall]
Tofoa [Catholic Church Hall]

Tongatapu 3
Kolofo’ou [Mosimani Building – Shop No.2]
Pahu [Pahu & ‘Amaile] [Anglican Church Hall, Pahu]
Fasi-moe-afi-‘a-Tungi [Anglican Church Hall
Ngele’ia [FWC Hall]
Mataika [FWC Hall]
Halaleva [FWC Hall]
Ma’ufanga [Free Church of Tonga Hall]

Tongatapu 4
Ma’ufanga [Catholic Church Hall- St. Joseph]
Houmakelikao [FWC Hall]
‘Ananā [‘Ananā & ‘Umusī] [FWC Church Hall, ‘Ananā
Fangaloto [Chuch of Tonga Hall]
Popua [Free Church of Tonga Hall]
Pātangata [Pātangata, Tukutonga Pangaimotu][FWC Hall, Pātangata]
Nukunukumotu [Church of Tonga Hall]

Tongatapu 5
Kanokupolu [Town Hall]
Ha’atafu [Free Church of Tonga Hall]
‘Ahau [Town Hall]
Kolovai [FWC Hall]
Ha’avakatolo [FWC Hall]
Fo’ui [Town Hall]
Te’ekiu [Alaipulotu Hall]
Masilamea [Town Hall]
Nukunuku [FWC Hall]
Matafonua [Misi-kuo-ola Hall]
Matahau [FWC Hall]
Vaotu’u [FWC Hall]
Fahefa [Society Hall]
Kala’au [Fale Hufanga ‘o Talafaiva]
Ha’utu [Society Hall]
‘Atatā [Town Hall

Tongatapu 6
Hofoa [FWC Hall]
Puke [FWC Hall]
Sia’atoutai [John & Charles Memorial Hall]
Fatai [Mofilini Hall]
Lakepa [FWC Hall]
Matangiake [LDS Hall]
Makapaeo [FWC Hall]
Kahoua [LDS Hall
Liahona [School Hall]
Lomaiviti [FWC Hall]
Houma [Mapu-‘a-Vaea Hall]
Ha’akame [Town Hall]
Ha’alalo [Peauma’a Hall]
‘Utulau [FWC Hall]

Tongatapu 7
Tofoa [FWC Hall]
Pea [FWC Hall]
Tokomololo [FWC Hall]
Ha’ateiho [FWC Hall]
Lotoha’apai [Church of Tonga Hall]

Tongatapu 8
Vaini [Church of Tonga Hall]
Folaha [Town Hall]
Nukuhetulu [FWC Hall]

Tongatapu 8
Vaini [Church of Tonga Hall]
Folaha [Town Hall]
Nukuhetulu [FWC Hall]
Longoteme & Kauvai [Catholic Church Hall, Longoteme]
Veitongo [FWC Hall]
Malapo [FWC Hall]

Tongatapu 9
Tatakamotonga [Fatu Hall]
Holonga [Catholic Hall]
‘Alakifonua [LDS Hall]
Pelehake [FWC Hall]
Toloa [School Hall]
Fua’amotu [Hoositea Hall]
Nakolo [LDS Hall]
Ha’asini & Hamula [FWC Hall]
Lavengatonga [FWC Hall]
Fatumu [Town Hall]
Haveluliku [Makatolo ‘a Maui Hall]

Tongatapu 10
Lapaha [FWC Hall]
Hoi [LDS Church Hall]
Talasiu [Salvation Army Hall]
Nukuleka [Town Hall]
Talafo’ou [LDS Church Hall]
Makaunga [Free Church of Tonga Hall]
Navutoka [FWC Hall]
Manuka [Town Hall]
Kolonga [FWC Hall]
Afa [FWC Hall]
Niutoua [FWC Hall]
‘Eueiki [Town Hall]

For voters from Vava’u, ‘Eua & Ongo Niua who will be in Tongatapu [Kalofiama ‘o Epworth Hall, Tu’i Road, Kolofo’ou] and for voters from Ha’apai, ‘Atatā & ‘Eueiki who will be in Nuku’alofa on election day [Moulton Hall, FWC main Office].

Eua 11
‘Ohonua [FWC Hall]
Ta’anga [FWC Hall]
Houma [Town Hall]
Kolomaile (Ha’atu’a) [Town Hall]
Angahā [Malau Community Hall]
Pangai [Church of Tonga Hall]
Futu [Town Hall]
‘Esia [Catholics Church Hall]
Tufuvai [FWC Hall]
Petani [Town Hall]
Tongamama’o [Town Hall]
Mu’a [Town Hall]
Fata’ulua [Town Hall]
Sapa’ata [Town Hall]
Mata’aho [Town Hall]

For voters from Tongatapu, Vava’u, Ha’apai, & Ongo Niua who will be in ‘Eua on election day [Malau Community Hall, Angahā]

Ha’apai 12
Pangai & Navea [Church of Tonga Hall, Pangai]
Ha’ato’u [Catholic Hall – ‘Avila]
Hihifo [FWC Hall]
Koulo [FWC Hall]
Holopeka [Church of Tonga Hall]
‘Uiha [FWC Hall]
Felemea [Town Hall]
Lofanga [Vai-ko-Tokomea Hall]
Mo’unga’one [FWC Hall]

Ha’apai 13
Nomuka [Town Hall]
Mango [GPS Mango]
Fonoifua [FWC Hall]
Ha’afeva [FWC Hall]
Kotu [Kotu & Tofua] [FWC Hall, Kotu]
Tungua [Church of Tonga Hall]
Fotuha’a [GPS Fotuha’a]
Matuku [GPS Matuku]
O’ua [FWC Hall]
Fakakakai [Church of Tonga Hall]
Pukotala [FWC Hall]
Ha’ano [Town Hall]
Muitoa [Town Hall]
Fotua [FWC Hall]
Fangale’ounga [FWC Hall]
Lotofoa [FWC Hall]
Faleloa [Town Hall]
Ha’afakahenga [LDS Hall, Faleloa]
Ha’ateihosi’i [Free Church of Tonga Hall]

For voters from Tongatapu, Vava’u, ‘Eua & Ongo Niua who will be in Ha’apai, and for voters of the outlying islands of Ha’apai who will be in Lifuka on election day. [Tokaikolo Hall, Pangai]

Vava’u 14
Pangaimotu [FWC Hall]
‘Utulei [FWC Hall]
‘Utungake [Town Hall]
Talihau [Town Hall]
Taoa [FWC Hall]
Vaimalo [Melino mo e ‘Ofa Hall]
Tefisi [FWC Hall]
Tu’anuku [FWC Hall]
Longomapu [FWC Hall]
Taunga [Town Hall]
Kapa [Town Hall]
‘Otea [Town Hall]
Falevai [Town Hall]
Matamaka [Town Hall]
Nuapapu [Town Hall]
Lape [Town Hall]
Ovaka [Town Hall]
Hunga [Town Hall]
‘Olo’ua [Town Hall]
Ofu [Town Hall]
Okoa [Town Hall]

Vava’u 15
Neiafu [Fakamelino Hall]
Fungamisi [Nasaleti Hall]
Falaleu [Town Hall]
Makave [Town Hall]
Toula [Town Hall]
‘Utui [Town Hall]

Vava’u 16
Ha’alaufuli [Town Hall]
Ta’anea [FWC Hall]
Ha’akio [Town Hall]
Houma [FWC Hall]
Mangia [Town Hall]
Mataika [FWC Hall]
Feletoa [Town Hall]
Leimatu’a [Sila-ki-Vai Hall]
Tu’anekivale [FWC Hall]
Holonga [Town Hall]
Holeva [Town Hall]
Koloa [Town Hall]

For Voters from Tongatapu, Ha’apai, ‘Eua & Ongo Niua who will be in Vava’u [Mailefihi & Siu’ilikutapu College Hall] and for voters of the outlying islands of Vava’u who will be in Neiafu on election day [Petani – Free Church of Tonga Hall]

Ongo Niua 17
Niuatoputapu:  Hihifo [Sosefo Hall], Vaipoa [FWC Hall], Falehau [FWC Hall], Tafahi [GPS Tafahi]

Niuafo’ou: ‘Esia [Town Hall], Kolofo’ou [Town Hall], Sapa’ata [Town Hall], Fata’ulua [Town Hall], Mata’aho [FWC Hall], Mu’a [FWC Hall], Tongamama’o [FWC Hall], Petani [FWC Hall], Hihifo, Niuatoputapu: [Sosefo Hall]

For voters from Tongatapu, Vava’u, Ha’apai, ‘Eua, Niuafo’ou and Tafahi who will be in Niuatoputapu on election day.

‘Esia, Niuafo’ou: [Government Representative Office]

For voters from Tongatapu, Vava’u, Ha’apai, ‘Eua & Niuatoputapu who will be in Niuafo’ou on election day.

SOURCE: NUKU’ALOFA TIMES