Tongan general election, 2010
Encyclopedia
Early general elections under a new electoral law were held in Tonga
on 25 November 2010. They determined the composition of the 2010 Tongan Legislative Assembly
.
The early elections were announced by the new King George Tupou V
in July 2008 shortly before being crowned on 1 August 2008, and were preceded by a programme of constitutional reform. For the first time, a majority of the seats (17 out of 26) in the Tongan parliament were elected by universal suffrage
, with the remaining nine seats being reserved for members of Tonga's nobility. This marked a major progression away from the 165-year rule of the monarchy towards a fully representative democracy. The Taimi Media Network
described it as "Tonga’s first democratically elected Parliament".
The Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands
, founded in September 2010 specifically to fight the election and led by veteran pro-democracy campaigner 'Akilisi Pohiva, secured the largest number of seats, with 12 out of the seventeen "People's Representative" seats.
(the Fale Alea) were primarily appointed by the monarch, who also selected the prime minister
and the cabinet. Only nine of the 30 seats were popularly elected, and another nine were held by members of the aristocracy
.
In April 2010 the Legislative Assembly enacted a package of political reforms, increasing the number of people's representatives from nine to seventeen, with ten seats for Tongatapu
, three for Vavaʻu, two for Haʻapai and one each for Niuas
and [[ʻEua]]. All of the seats are single-seat constituencies, as opposed to the multi-member constituencies used before. These changes mean that now 17 of 26 representatives (65.4%) will be directly elected, up from 9 of 30 (30.0%). The noble aristocracy will still select its nine representatives, while all remaining seats, which were previously appointed by the monarch, will be abolished.
While the cabinet and the prime minister were previously selected by the monarch, this time, the elected parliamentarians will vote for a prime minister.
The changes come in the wake of violent pro-democracy demonstrations
in November 2006, in which eight people were killed and much of the business district of Tongatapu destroyed as people protested against the slow movement toward political reform. The changes have been fully supported by the king. One of the candidates, Sione Fonua, said, "The king saw the signs that people wanted change and, to his credit, he has allowed that to happen".
is extremely important.
In response to the question of the impact the new legislation would have on his role, the King stated that while not officially reducing his powers, the reforms meant that he was now limited in his capacity to exercise these powers:
Analysts, however, have said they are not yet certain what effective changes the political shift would bring. The king retains the power of veto
over certain laws, as well as the power to dismiss the government.
Candidates were registered on 21 and 22 October, with 147 candidates contesting the 17 constituencies. The Tongatapu 6 and 9 constituencies were the most heavily contested, with 15 candidates each, while Ha'apai 13, 'Eua 11 and Niuas 17 had only three candidates each. Ten candidates were women. Only three of the incumbent Cabinet
contested the elections.
Candidates were required to pay a P400 (Tonga-pa'anga) registration fee (equivalent to $215 US or €165) and present the signatures of 50 eligible voters in support of their candidacy.
The suffering economy
was seen as the most significant priority for the campaigners. According to the World Bank
, up to 40% of Tongans live on or below the poverty line. In addition, the International Monetary Fund
claims that Tonga's national debt is substantial and that the island nation is at high risk of not being able to pay them.
In an address to the nation before polling stations opened, the King described the vote as "the greatest and most historic day for our kingdom". He went on to say, "You will choose your representative to the parliament and, thus, the first elected government in our country's long history."
There were two nobles who held two titles each: Prince [[ʻAhoʻeitu ʻUnuakiʻotonga Tukuʻaho]] held the titles of Tupoutoʻa (in Haʻapai) and Lavaka (in Tongatapu), while Lord Kalaniuvalu of Tongatapu was jointly Lord Fotofili of the Niuas. It is not clear whether this enabled these two men to cast two ballots. In addition, there were three unattributed titles: Maʻatu in the Niuas, and ʻAhomeʻe and Fohe in Tongatapu. Also, King Tupou V had, since 2008, instituted the unprecedented title of "Law Lords" for three men (Ramsay Robertson Dalgety
, Tevita Poasi Tupou
and Taniela Tufui), conferring upon them a non-hereditary life title which entitled them to vote in a nobles' constituency of their choosing, but not to be elected. Dalgety and Tupou chose to vote in Tongatapu, and Tufui in Haʻapai. Consequently, there were twelve to fourteen potential voters in Tongatapu (depending on where Prince Tukuʻaho and Lord Kalaniuvalu chose to vote), eight in Vavaʻu, seven or eight in Haʻapai, and two or three in the Niuas.
and New Zealand
were in Tonga to observe the election. Reports said they were pleased at the way the election had been managed.
The outcome of the election resulted in a plurality of seats for the Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands, who won 12 out of the 17 "People's Representative" seats, with only some 29% of the votes (because of the First Past the Post voting system being used).
Once the results were finalised, the newly elected representatives selected a prime minister. Tongans, who have traditionally looked to the nobility for leadership, had widely expected it to be a nobleman. After their election, however, the nobles' representatives announced that they would support a commoner for prime minister but ultimately deicided to support Lord Tu'ivakano.
=ʻEua
Haʻapai
Vavaʻu
Niuas
Noble representatives
The nobles' representatives are:
– by offering them cabinet posts. Following concerns the noble representatives would support one of the independents for Prime Minister, the DPFI decided to hold a public rally to build public support.
The formal process of electing a Prime Minister will begin after the final election results are formally notified, with the appointment of an interim Speaker and a call for nominations. MPs will then vote by secret ballot in one or more rounds, until a candidate is elected.
On 3 December 2010 the King appointed Lord Tupou
as interim Speaker.
The three MPs from Vava'u
are considered to be pro-monarchy.
Sosefo Fe’aomoeata Vakata
reportedly left the DPFI and became an independent, and was likely to support the nobles together with the five independent MPs, resulting in a noble-led government. He joined a bloc of 15 members, including all nine noble representatives and five other people's representatives, to jointly nominate a Prime Minister.
The DPFI rejected these claims and stated it still expects to form the government. A vote was scheduled for 17 December, but then delayed to 20 December.
On 15 December 2010, DPFI MP 'Isileli Pulu
claimed that the DPFI had the support of 14 of the 17 popularly elected MPs and of a few nobles, 18 MPs in total.
On 20 December 2010 Samuela 'Akilisi Pohiva
and Siale'ataonga Tu'ivakano were nominated for Prime Minister. The election was postponed to 21 December 2010. Tu'ivakano was elected by 14 votes to 12.
On 31 December Tu'ivakano named his Cabinet, which included 6 people's representatives, 3 nobles, and 2 commoners appointed from outside Parliament.
Tonga
Tonga, officially the Kingdom of Tonga , is a state and an archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean, comprising 176 islands scattered over of ocean in the South Pacific...
on 25 November 2010. They determined the composition of the 2010 Tongan Legislative Assembly
2010 Tongan Legislative Assembly
The 2010 Tongan Legislative Assembly is the current term of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga. Its composition was determined by the 2010 elections, the first under a new system which saw the majority of seats elected by universal suffrage. The Taimi Media Network described it as "Tonga’s first...
.
The early elections were announced by the new King George Tupou V
George Tupou V
George Tupou V , is the current King of Tonga.-Early life:...
in July 2008 shortly before being crowned on 1 August 2008, and were preceded by a programme of constitutional reform. For the first time, a majority of the seats (17 out of 26) in the Tongan parliament were elected by universal suffrage
Universal suffrage
Universal suffrage consists of the extension of the right to vote to adult citizens as a whole, though it may also mean extending said right to minors and non-citizens...
, with the remaining nine seats being reserved for members of Tonga's nobility. This marked a major progression away from the 165-year rule of the monarchy towards a fully representative democracy. The Taimi Media Network
Times of Tonga
The Times of Tonga also known as Taimi o Tonga is published by the Taimi Media Network Ltd from Auckland, New Zealand. It started publication in April 1989. It is published twice a week. The newspaper's owner and publisher is Kalafi Moala, a Tongan-American citizen.The newspaper has been a...
described it as "Tonga’s first democratically elected Parliament".
The Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands
Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands
The Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands is a political party in Tonga. The party's leader is 'Akilisi Pohiva....
, founded in September 2010 specifically to fight the election and led by veteran pro-democracy campaigner 'Akilisi Pohiva, secured the largest number of seats, with 12 out of the seventeen "People's Representative" seats.
Heading to political reforms
Prior to these elections, members of Tonga's Legislative AssemblyLegislative Assembly of Tonga
The Legislative Assembly of Tonga has 30 members, 9 members elected for a three year term in multi-seat constituencies via the single non-transferable vote system, 9 members elected for a three year term by the 33 hereditary nobles of Tonga, 10 members of the Privy Council and 2 governors. The...
(the Fale Alea) were primarily appointed by the monarch, who also selected the prime minister
Prime Minister of Tonga
This is a list of Prime Ministers of Tonga from the establishment of that office in 1876 until the present day.-List of Premiers/Prime Ministers of Tonga :-External links:*...
and the cabinet. Only nine of the 30 seats were popularly elected, and another nine were held by members of the aristocracy
Nobility
Nobility is a social class which possesses more acknowledged privileges or eminence than members of most other classes in a society, membership therein typically being hereditary. The privileges associated with nobility may constitute substantial advantages over or relative to non-nobles, or may be...
.
In April 2010 the Legislative Assembly enacted a package of political reforms, increasing the number of people's representatives from nine to seventeen, with ten seats for Tongatapu
Tongatapu
Tongatapu is the main island of the Kingdom of Tonga and the location of its capital Nukualofa. It is located in Tonga's southern island group, to which it gives its name, and is the country's most populous island, with approximately 71,260 residents , 70.5% of the national population...
, three for Vavaʻu, two for Haʻapai and one each for Niuas
Niuas
Niuas is a division of Tonga. It consists of three islands:*Niuafoʻou*Niuatoputapu*Tafahi...
and [[ʻEua]]. All of the seats are single-seat constituencies, as opposed to the multi-member constituencies used before. These changes mean that now 17 of 26 representatives (65.4%) will be directly elected, up from 9 of 30 (30.0%). The noble aristocracy will still select its nine representatives, while all remaining seats, which were previously appointed by the monarch, will be abolished.
While the cabinet and the prime minister were previously selected by the monarch, this time, the elected parliamentarians will vote for a prime minister.
The changes come in the wake of violent pro-democracy demonstrations
2006 Nuku'alofa riots
The 2006 Nukualofa riots started on 16 November, in the Tongan capital of Nukualofa. The Legislative Assembly of Tonga was due to adjourn for the year and despite promises of action, had done little to advance democracy in the government. A mixed crowd of democracy advocates took to the streets in...
in November 2006, in which eight people were killed and much of the business district of Tongatapu destroyed as people protested against the slow movement toward political reform. The changes have been fully supported by the king. One of the candidates, Sione Fonua, said, "The king saw the signs that people wanted change and, to his credit, he has allowed that to happen".
Impact on the monarchy
Tonga is a very traditional society, and the role of the monarchyMonarchy
A monarchy is a form of government in which the office of head of state is usually held until death or abdication and is often hereditary and includes a royal house. In some cases, the monarch is elected...
is extremely important.
In response to the question of the impact the new legislation would have on his role, the King stated that while not officially reducing his powers, the reforms meant that he was now limited in his capacity to exercise these powers:
Analysts, however, have said they are not yet certain what effective changes the political shift would bring. The king retains the power of veto
Veto
A veto, Latin for "I forbid", is the power of an officer of the state to unilaterally stop an official action, especially enactment of a piece of legislation...
over certain laws, as well as the power to dismiss the government.
People's Representatives
Voter registration closed on 31 August, with approximately 42,000 voters registering. In November 2010, the Women’s and Children’s Crisis Centre expressed concern that up to 40% of eligible voters could have failed to register.Candidates were registered on 21 and 22 October, with 147 candidates contesting the 17 constituencies. The Tongatapu 6 and 9 constituencies were the most heavily contested, with 15 candidates each, while Ha'apai 13, 'Eua 11 and Niuas 17 had only three candidates each. Ten candidates were women. Only three of the incumbent Cabinet
Tongan Cabinet
The Cabinet of Tonga is the cabinet of the government of the Kingdom of Tonga. It is composed primarily of the ministers of government. The latter, including the Prime Minister, are appointed by the monarch. The Governor of Ha'apai and the Governor of Vava'u also serve on the Cabinet ex officio...
contested the elections.
Candidates were required to pay a P400 (Tonga-pa'anga) registration fee (equivalent to $215 US or €165) and present the signatures of 50 eligible voters in support of their candidacy.
The suffering economy
Economy of Tonga
Tonga's economy is characterized by a large nonmonetary sector and a heavy dependence on remittances from the half of the country's population that lives abroad, chiefly in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. Much of the monetary sector of the economy is dominated, if not owned, by the...
was seen as the most significant priority for the campaigners. According to the World Bank
World Bank
The World Bank is an international financial institution that provides loans to developing countries for capital programmes.The World Bank's official goal is the reduction of poverty...
, up to 40% of Tongans live on or below the poverty line. In addition, the International Monetary Fund
International Monetary Fund
The International Monetary Fund is an organization of 187 countries, working to foster global monetary cooperation, secure financial stability, facilitate international trade, promote high employment and sustainable economic growth, and reduce poverty around the world...
claims that Tonga's national debt is substantial and that the island nation is at high risk of not being able to pay them.
In an address to the nation before polling stations opened, the King described the vote as "the greatest and most historic day for our kingdom". He went on to say, "You will choose your representative to the parliament and, thus, the first elected government in our country's long history."
Nobles' representatives
Elections to the nobles' seats was reformed, through the Representatives Electoral Regulations Act 2010. Each member of the nobility was henceforth only allowed to cast a vote in the constituency containing lands to which his title of nobility was attached. The four constituencies were:- a joint constituency for Tongatapu & ʻEua, corresponding to fourteen hereditary titles (thirteen in Tongatapu and one, Lasike, in ʻEua), and electing four representatives;
- the constituency of Vavaʻu, corresponding to eight hereditary titles and electing two representatives ;
- the constituency of Haʻapai, corresponding to seven hereditary titles and electing two representatives ;
- the constituency of the Niuas, corresponding to four hereditary titles and electing one representative.
There were two nobles who held two titles each: Prince [[ʻAhoʻeitu ʻUnuakiʻotonga Tukuʻaho]] held the titles of Tupoutoʻa (in Haʻapai) and Lavaka (in Tongatapu), while Lord Kalaniuvalu of Tongatapu was jointly Lord Fotofili of the Niuas. It is not clear whether this enabled these two men to cast two ballots. In addition, there were three unattributed titles: Maʻatu in the Niuas, and ʻAhomeʻe and Fohe in Tongatapu. Also, King Tupou V had, since 2008, instituted the unprecedented title of "Law Lords" for three men (Ramsay Robertson Dalgety
Ramsay Robertson Dalgety
Ramsay Robertson Dalgety is a Scottish and Tongan lawyer and judge. Scottish QC since 1986, and Tonga Law Lord since 2008.Advocate at the Scottish Bar since 1972. Appointed a Scottish QC in 1986...
, Tevita Poasi Tupou
Tevita Poasi Tupou
Tevita Poasi Tupou, styled Lord Tupou of Kolofo’ou, is a Tongan judge and former politician.During his political career, he served as Attorney General, Minister of Justice and Deputy Prime Minister. He also worked as a lawyer...
and Taniela Tufui), conferring upon them a non-hereditary life title which entitled them to vote in a nobles' constituency of their choosing, but not to be elected. Dalgety and Tupou chose to vote in Tongatapu, and Tufui in Haʻapai. Consequently, there were twelve to fourteen potential voters in Tongatapu (depending on where Prince Tukuʻaho and Lord Kalaniuvalu chose to vote), eight in Vavaʻu, seven or eight in Haʻapai, and two or three in the Niuas.
Results
According to election officials, approximately 89% of the 42,000 registered voters cast ballots. A delegation of fourteen observers from AustraliaAustralia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
and New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
were in Tonga to observe the election. Reports said they were pleased at the way the election had been managed.
The outcome of the election resulted in a plurality of seats for the Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands, who won 12 out of the 17 "People's Representative" seats, with only some 29% of the votes (because of the First Past the Post voting system being used).
Once the results were finalised, the newly elected representatives selected a prime minister. Tongans, who have traditionally looked to the nobility for leadership, had widely expected it to be a nobleman. After their election, however, the nobles' representatives announced that they would support a commoner for prime minister but ultimately deicided to support Lord Tu'ivakano.
Tongatapu
=ʻEua
Haʻapai
Vavaʻu
Niuas
Noble representatives
The nobles' representatives are:
Government formation
Following the election, the DPFI secured the support of one independent and was seeking the support of two others – ‘Aisake Valu Eke and Sunia FiliSunia Fili
Sunia Manu Fili is a Tongan politician and Member of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga. He is a former member of the Human Rights and Democracy Movement....
– by offering them cabinet posts. Following concerns the noble representatives would support one of the independents for Prime Minister, the DPFI decided to hold a public rally to build public support.
The formal process of electing a Prime Minister will begin after the final election results are formally notified, with the appointment of an interim Speaker and a call for nominations. MPs will then vote by secret ballot in one or more rounds, until a candidate is elected.
On 3 December 2010 the King appointed Lord Tupou
Tevita Poasi Tupou
Tevita Poasi Tupou, styled Lord Tupou of Kolofo’ou, is a Tongan judge and former politician.During his political career, he served as Attorney General, Minister of Justice and Deputy Prime Minister. He also worked as a lawyer...
as interim Speaker.
The three MPs from Vava'u
Vava'u
Vavau is an island chain of one large island and 40 smaller ones in Tonga. According to tradition Maui fished both Tongatapu and Vavau but put a little more effort into the former. Vavau rises 204 meters above sea level...
are considered to be pro-monarchy.
Sosefo Fe’aomoeata Vakata
Sosefo Fe’aomoeata Vakata
Sosefo Fe’aomoeata Vakata is a Tongan politician and member of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga. He is a former member of the Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands....
reportedly left the DPFI and became an independent, and was likely to support the nobles together with the five independent MPs, resulting in a noble-led government. He joined a bloc of 15 members, including all nine noble representatives and five other people's representatives, to jointly nominate a Prime Minister.
The DPFI rejected these claims and stated it still expects to form the government. A vote was scheduled for 17 December, but then delayed to 20 December.
On 15 December 2010, DPFI MP 'Isileli Pulu
'Isileli Pulu
Isileli Pulu is a Tongan politician and Member of the Tongan Parliament. He is a member of the Human Rights and Democracy Movement and the Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands....
claimed that the DPFI had the support of 14 of the 17 popularly elected MPs and of a few nobles, 18 MPs in total.
On 20 December 2010 Samuela 'Akilisi Pohiva
Samuela 'Akilisi Pohiva
Samuela 'Akilisi Pohiva is a Tongan politician and a leading member of that country's pro-democracy movement. He is a former teacher, broadcaster, and newspaper publisher, and a founding member of the Human Rights and Democracy Movement and Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands.-Personal...
and Siale'ataonga Tu'ivakano were nominated for Prime Minister. The election was postponed to 21 December 2010. Tu'ivakano was elected by 14 votes to 12.
On 31 December Tu'ivakano named his Cabinet, which included 6 people's representatives, 3 nobles, and 2 commoners appointed from outside Parliament.