Tongan general election, 2008

Parliamentary elections were held in Tonga on 23 April and 24 April 2008 to elect members of the Legislative Assembly. [ [http://www.mherrera.org/elections.htm Electoral Calendar- world elections,US elections,presidential election,world parties ] ] The nobles were elected on 23 April, and the nine people's representatives on 24 April [ [http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90777/90851/6335327.html Tonga to hold general elections in April - People's Daily Online ] ] . A total of 32,000 people turned out to vote, giving a turnout of 48% [ [http://www.matangitonga.to/article/tonganews/parliament/tonga-election_turnout_28_4_08.shtml "48% turnout for 2008 General Election"] , "Matangi Tonga", 28 April 2008] .

71 candidates had filed for the people's representatives' seats, among them eight women. All nine incumbents stood for reelection, with six retaining their seats. [ [http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90777/6363938.html Tonga to hold general election on April 24 - People's Daily Online ] ] Most of the pro-democracy MPs were returned, despite several facing charges of sedition over the 2006 Nuku'alofa riots [ [http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/latest/200804251018/38bc94e1 Pro-democracy MPs mostly returned in Tonga - Radio New Zealand] , 25 April 2008] Reportedly, all nine elected MPs were pro-democracy activists. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7366873.stm BBC NEWS | Asia-Pacific | Tongans elect pro-democracy MPs ] ]

These elections were the last ones before democratic reforms expected to be implemented in 2010, which would change the seat balance as follows: 17 MPs would be popularly elected, nine MPs would be elected by the nobles and four MPs appointed by the king. [ [http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/23/apworld/20080423111913&sec=apworld Tonga heads to polls, but more slowly toward greater democracy ] ]

Viliami Uasike Latu requested a recount in Vava'u, the constituency he contested, as he missed out on the second seat there by only 51 votes; the recount will be held within a week. [ [http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=39518 Tonga election recount of Vava’u result next week ] ]

Controversy

About two weeks before the election, it was announced that the Tonga Broadcasting Commission would henceforth censor candidates' political broadcasts [ [http://www.matangitonga.to/article/tonganews/newsmedia/tbc_censorship_110408.shtml "TBC's censorship committee makes its mark on coming election"] , Matangi Tonga, April 11, 2008] , and that TBC reporters would be banned from reporting on political matters, allegedly because they lacked the necessary training for objective coverage. [ [http://www.abc.net.au/ra/programguide/stories/200804/s2213489.htm "Reporting restrictions in Tonga criticised by region"] , ABC Radio Australia, April 10, 2008] The decision was criticised by the Pacific Islands News Association, and New Zealand's Minister of Revenue, Peter Dunne, commented that it was "unfortunate". [ [http://news.theage.com.au/tonga-pressured-over-media-restrictions/20080410-253i.html "Tonga pressured over media restrictions"] , "The Age", April 10, 2008] Tonga Review said that the decision was a restriction on freedom of speech, and compared Tonga with Zimbabwe [ [http://www.tongareview.com/Article.aspx?Mode=1&ID=5498 "Tonga and Zimbabwe have something in common - restriction on free speech"] , Tonga Review, April 7, 2008] , a comparison rejected by the TBC. [ [http://www.tongareview.com/Article.aspx?Mode=1&ID=5506 "TBC Boss Responds to Tonga Review Article"] , Tonga Review, April 10, 2008] Tongan MP Clive Edwards said that the TBC's decision was aimed at stifling criticism of the government in the lead-up to the election, [ [http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=39040 "Veteran Tonga politician says government’s latest move is to stop criticism"] , Radio New Zealand International, April 9, 2008] and to hamper the re-election chances of pro-democracy MPs [ [http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=39028 "State Broadcaster restrictions slammed by Tonga People’s Rep"] , Radio New Zealand International, April 8, 2008] . Pesi Fonua, head of the Tonga Media Council, said that the election "very much depends on how the candidates present themselves", and that censorship would "definitely have an impact". [ [http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=39325 "Restrictions on state broadcasting likely to impact on Tonga election, says journalist"] , Radio New Zealand International, April 23, 2008]

Results

ummary of Results

People's Representatives

From [http://www.matangitonga.to/article/tonga_election_results_2008_240408.shtml Matangi Tonga]

Election box candidate with party link|
party = Human Rights and Democracy Movement
candidate = Sunia Fili
votes = 849
percentage = 35.3
change = Election box candidate with party link|
party = Independent (politician)
candidate = Tevita Lavemaau
votes = 506
percentage = 21.1
change = Election box candidate with party link|
party = Independent (politician)
candidate = Tevita Tupou
votes = 437
percentage = 18.2
change = Election box candidate with party link|
party = Independent (politician)
candidate = Siosaia Hausia
votes = 277
percentage = 11.5
change = Election box candidate with party link|
party = Independent (politician)
candidate = Tu'ipulotu Lauaki
votes = 136
percentage = 5.7
change = Election box candidate with party link|
party = Independent (politician)
candidate = 'Asipeli Mafi
votes = 130
percentage = 5.4
change = Election box candidate with party link|
party = Independent (politician)
candidate = Veisinia Tupou Tu'itakau Kaho
votes = 56
percentage = 2.3
change = Election box candidate with party link|
party = Independent (politician)
candidate = Hakeai Vea Havea
votes = 12
percentage = 0.5
change = Election box turnout
votes = 2403
percentage =
change =

Election box candidate with party link|
party = Human Rights and Democracy Movement
candidate = 'Uliti Uata
votes = 2491
percentage = 29.5
change = Election box candidate with party link|
party = People's Democratic Party (Tonga)
candidate = Teisina Fuko
votes = 1374
percentage = 16.3
change = Election box candidate with party link|
party = Independent (politician)
candidate = Mo'ale Finau
votes = 1230
percentage = 14.6
change = Election box candidate with party link|
party = Independent (politician)
candidate = 'Osai Latu
votes = 1060
percentage = 12.6
change = Election box candidate with party link|
party = Independent (politician)
candidate = Siosaia K Ma'ake Paluto
votes = 853
percentage = 10.1
change = Election box candidate with party link|
party = Independent (politician)
candidate = Lopeti Kamipeli Tofa
votes = 405
percentage = 4.8
change = Election box candidate with party link|
party = Independent (politician)
candidate = Sione Tu'itupou Fotu
votes = 401
percentage = 4.8
change = Election box candidate with party link|
party = Independent (politician)
candidate = Siaosi Vaikona
votes = 310
percentage = 3.7
change = Election box candidate with party link|
party = Independent (politician)
candidate = Sosaia Finau
votes = 306
percentage = 3.6
change = Election box turnout
votes = 8430
percentage =
change =

Election box candidate with party link|
party = Independent (politician)
candidate = Sione Mafi 'Iloa
votes = 462
percentage = 36.8
change = Election box candidate with party link|
party = Independent (politician)
candidate = Sione Peauafi Haukinima
votes = 352
percentage = 28.0
change = Election box candidate with party link|
party = Human Rights and Democracy Movement
candidate = Lepolo Taunisila
votes = 236
percentage = 18.8
change = Election box candidate with party link|
party = Independent (politician)
candidate = 'Ofa Simiki
votes = 207
percentage = 16.5
change = Election box turnout
votes = 1257
percentage =
change =

Election box candidate with party link|
party = Human Rights and Democracy Movement
candidate = 'Akilisi Pohiva
votes = 11290
percentage = 22.3
change = Election box candidate with party link|
party = Human Rights and Democracy Movement
candidate = 'Isileli Pulu
votes = 7048
percentage = 13.9
change = Election box candidate with party link|
party = People's Democratic Party (Tonga)
candidate = Clive Edwards
votes = 6697
percentage = 13.2
change = Election box candidate with party link|
party = Independent (politician)
candidate = Sione Sangster Saulala
votes = 5451
percentage = 10.8
change = Election box candidate with party link|
party = Independent (politician)
candidate = 'Inoke Fotu Hu'akau
votes = 2802
percentage = 5.5
change = Election box candidate with party link|
party = Paati Langafonua Tu'uloa
candidate = Sione Fonua
votes = 2768
percentage = 5.5
change = Election box candidate with party link|
party = People's Democratic Party (Tonga)
candidate = Semisi P I Tapueluelu
votes = 2727
percentage = 5.4
change = Election box candidate with party link|
party = Independent (politician)
candidate = Mele Teusivi 'Amanaki
votes = 1523
percentage = 3.0
change = Election box candidate with party link|
party = Independent (politician)
candidate = Semisi 'Ofa Fukofuka
votes = 1150
percentage = 2.3
change = Election box candidate with party link|
party = Independent (politician)
candidate = 'Alisi Pone Fotu
votes = 1136
percentage = 2.2
change = Election box candidate with party link|
party = Independent (politician)
candidate = Mateitalo Folaumoetao Mahu'inga
votes = 1082
percentage = 2.1
change = Election box candidate with party link|
party = Independent (politician)
candidate = Sitiveni Takaetali Finau
votes = 922
percentage = 1.8
change = Election box candidate with party link|
party = Independent (politician)
candidate = Mateaki Ki he Lotu Heimuli
votes = 828
percentage = 1.6
change = Election box candidate with party link|
party = Independent (politician)
candidate = Latanoa Pikula
votes = 795
percentage = 1.6
change = Election box candidate with party link|
party = Independent (politician)
candidate = Sateki Finau
votes = 675
percentage = 1.3
change = Election box candidate with party link|
party = Independent (politician)
candidate = Filimone Fifita
votes = 649
percentage = 1.3
change = Election box candidate with party link|
party = Independent (politician)
candidate = Sulunga Lavaka
votes = 594
percentage = 1.2
change = Election box candidate with party link|
party = Independent (politician)
candidate = 'Akanete Ta'ai Lauti
votes = 454
percentage = 0.9
change = Election box candidate with party link|
party = Independent (politician)
candidate = Sione Tu'i'onetoa
votes = 394
percentage = 0.8
change = Election box candidate with party link|
party = Independent (politician)
candidate = Salesi Kauvaka
votes = 269
percentage = 0.5
change = Election box candidate with party link|
party = Independent (politician)
candidate = Tupou Malohi
votes = 259
percentage = 0.5
change = Election box candidate with party link|
party = Independent (politician)
candidate = Semisi Nauto Tuapasi 'Ata'ata
votes = 185
percentage = 0.4
change = Election box candidate with party link|
party = Independent (politician)
candidate = 'Alani Fisher Taione
votes = 184
percentage = 3.6
change = Election box candidate with party link|
party = Independent (politician)
candidate = 'Eliu Hafoka
votes = 181
percentage = 3.6
change = Election box candidate with party link|
party = Independent (politician)
candidate = Malu Faletau
votes = 165
percentage = 0.3
change = Election box candidate with party link|
party = Independent (politician)
candidate = Hoatatau Tenisi
votes = 162
percentage = 0.3
change = Election box candidate with party link|
party = Independent (politician)
candidate = Punalei Nuku
votes = 144
percentage = 0.3
change = Election box candidate with party link|
party = Independent (politician)
candidate = 'Eliesa Fifita
votes = 118
percentage = 0.2
change = Election box turnout
votes = 50652
percentage = 56.0
change =

Election box candidate with party link|
party = Independent (politician)
candidate = 'Etuate Sungalu Lavulavu
votes = 2116
percentage = 14.6
change = Election box candidate with party link|
party = Independent (politician)
candidate = Samiu Vaipulu
votes = 1896
percentage = 13.0
change = Election box candidate with party link|
party = Independent (politician)
candidate = Viliami Uasike Latu
votes = 1845
percentage = 12.7
change = Election box candidate with party link|
party = Independent (politician)
candidate = Salesi Paea
votes = 1471
percentage = 10.1
change = Election box candidate with party link|
party = Independent (politician)
candidate = Masao Paasi
votes = 1213
percentage = 8.3
change = Election box candidate with party link|
party = Independent (politician)
candidate = 'Opeti Pulotu
votes = 917
percentage = 6.3
change = Election box candidate with party link|
party = Independent (politician)
candidate = Viliami Helu
votes = 726
percentage = 5.0
change = Election box candidate with party link|
party = Independent (politician)
candidate = Tevita Moengangongo Saia
votes = 700
percentage = 4.8
change = Election box candidate with party link|
party = Independent (politician)
candidate = Sione Kilipati Lea
votes = 674
percentage = 4.6
change = Election box candidate with party link|
party = Independent (politician)
candidate = Peauafi Tatafu
votes = 557
percentage = 3.8
change = Election box candidate with party link|
party = Independent (politician)
candidate = Polutele Tu'ihalamaka
votes = 544
percentage = 3.7
change = Election box candidate with party link|
party = Independent (politician)
candidate = Viliula Mafi
votes = 442
percentage = 3.0
change = Election box candidate with party link|
party = Independent (politician)
candidate = Moleni Taufa
votes = 383
percentage = 2.6
change = Election box candidate with party link|
party = Independent (politician)
candidate = Viliami Pasikala
votes = 191
percentage = 1.3
change = Election box candidate with party link|
party = Independent (politician)
candidate = Keuli Pasina Lavaki
votes = 185
percentage = 1.3
change = Election box candidate with party link|
party = Independent (politician)
candidate = Paula K Kava
votes = 177
percentage = 1.2
change = Election box candidate with party link|
party = Independent (politician)
candidate = 'Ofa Kitokelau Fakalata
votes = 113
percentage = 0.8
change = Election box candidate with party link|
party = Independent (politician)
candidate = Mataiasi Moteini Moala
votes = 104
percentage = 0.7
change = Election box candidate with party link|
party = Independent (politician)
candidate = Tongovua Tae Appleton
votes = 86
percentage = 0.6
change = Election box candidate with party link|
party = Independent (politician)
candidate = Temaleti Levaitai Fulivai Faka'osi
votes = 73
percentage = 0.5
change = Election box candidate with party link|
party = Independent (politician)
candidate = Kapeliele Fungalei Cocker
votes = 72
percentage = 0.5
change = Election box candidate with party link|
party = Independent (politician)
candidate = To'ofohe Loketi Teaupa
votes = 51
percentage = 0.4
change = Election box turnout
votes = 14536
percentage = 72.58
change =

Nobles' representatives

Nine nobles were elected by the 29 eligible members of the nobility on April 23. All 29 voters cast votes. There were no nominations, and no candidates. Tu'iha'angana, outgoing Speaker of the House, lost his seat in Ha'apai. [ [http://www.matangitonga.to/article/tonganews/parliament/tonga-speaker_loses-seat230408.shtml "Former Speaker Tu'iha'angana loses seat in Nobles election"] , Matangi Tonga, April 23, 2008]

Election box candidate no party|
candidate = Hon. Lasike
votes = 7
percentage =
change = Election box candidate no party|
candidate = Hon. Fohe
votes = 3
percentage =
change = Election box candidate no party|
candidate = Baron Vaea of Houma
votes = 1
percentage =
change =

Election box candidate no party|
candidate = Hon. Tu'iha'ateiho
votes = 3
percentage =
change = Election box candidate no party|
candidate = Hon. Tu'ipelehake
votes = 3
percentage =
change = Election box candidate no party|
candidate = Hon. Fakafanua
votes = 2
percentage =
change = Election box candidate no party|
candidate = Hon. Malupo
votes = 2
percentage =
change = Election box candidate no party|
candidate = Hon. Niukapu
votes = 2
percentage =
change = Election box candidate no party|
candidate = Hon. Tu'iha'angana
votes = 2
percentage =
change =

Election box candidate no party|
candidate = Hon. Tangipa
votes = 2
percentage =
change = Election box candidate no party|
candidate = Hon. Fotofili
votes = 1
percentage =
change =

Election box candidate no party|
candidate = Hon. Fielakepa
votes = 10
percentage =
change = Election box candidate no party|
candidate = Hon. Ma'afu
votes = 10
percentage =
change = Election box candidate no party|
candidate = Hon. Fohe
votes = 6
percentage =
change = Election box candidate no party|
candidate = Hon. Vaha'i
votes = 4
percentage =
change = Election box candidate no party|
candidate = Baron Vaea of Houma
votes = 3
percentage =
change =

Election box candidate no party|
candidate = Hon. Luani
votes = 3
percentage =
change = Election box candidate no party|
candidate = Hon. Tu'ilakepa
votes = 3
percentage =
change = Election box candidate no party|
candidate = Hon. Fakatulolo
votes = 2
percentage =
change = Election box candidate no party|
candidate = Hon. Fulivai
votes = 2
percentage =
change = Election box candidate no party|
candidate = Hon. Tuita
votes = 2
percentage =
change = Election box candidate no party|
candidate = Hon. Tu'i'afitu
votes = 2
percentage =
change = Election box candidate no party|
candidate = Prince 'Ulukalala
votes = 1
percentage =
change =

External links

* [http://www.matangitonga.to/article/tonganews/parliament/Tonga-pre-election_feature230408.shtml "Tongans confused and undecided on eve of 2008 General Election"] , Mary Lyn Fonue, Matangi Tonga, April 23, 2008
* [http://www.matangitonga.to/article/tonga_election_results_2008_240408.shtml "Results, 2008 Tonga Parliamentary General Election"] Matangi Tonga, April 25, 2008
* [http://www.tongareview.com/Article.aspx?ID=5548&Mode=1 "Noble Fielakepa and Noble Ma'afu elected into Parliament"] , "Tonga Review", April 23, 2008

References