2010 Tongan general election

None February 2026 February 2026 Tonga 2008 2014 All 26 elected seats in the Legislative Assembly 14 25 November 2010 90.84% ( 44.15pp) ʻAkilisi Pōhiva Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands New 12 28.49 – Independents 3 5 67.30 2010 Tongan parliamentary election - Results by constituency.svg Results by constituency Prime Minister Feleti Sevele Human Rights and Democracy Movement Sialeʻataongo Tuʻivakanō Independent politician General elections were held in Tonga on 25 November 2010 to elect 26 members of the Legislative Assembly. Initially expected to be held in 2011, King George Tupou V called a snap election in September 2010, following the passage of democratic reforms, which saw the monarch cede most of his executive powers to the prime minister and cabinet. The reforms also increased the people's seats from nine to 17, allowing commoners to elect a majority of members of parliament (MP), while the nobility continued to elect nine members. Most contestants campaigned on their personal records and relied on the local ties, although the Tonga Media Council attempted to keep the election issue-focused by hosting weekly candidate forums. The Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands (PTOA), formed shortly before the election and led by veteran politician and reformist ʻAkilisi Pōhiva, was the major contesting party. The PTOA, along with all other parties, lacked a clear manifesto and policies. The other three parties that participated had a very limited presence during the campaign. Most candidates ultimately ran as independents. The PTOA won 12 of the people's seats, two short of a parliamentary majority, and independents secured five. Independents received a combined share of 67% of the popular vote, while the PTOA garnered 28%. None of the other parties won any seats and no women were elected. Over 90% of eligible electors voted in this election. Following the election, the PTOA nominated Pōhiva as its candidate for the parliamentary vote for prime minister, despite the party's deputy leader, Sitiveni Halapua, having been floated as its nominee during the campaign. Two independent people's MPs nominated Sialeʻataongo Tuʻivakanō, a nobles' representative. The Legislative Assembly voted for a prime minister on 21 December, which was won by Tuʻivakanō, who received 14 votes. Pōhiva received the support of 12 MPs and the PTOA became the de facto opposition. Tuʻivakanō was sworn in the following day, succeeding Feleti Sevele, and his cabinet was inaugurated on 4 January 2011. Background Democratisation Ever since the adoption of Tonga's constitution in 1875, only a minority of members of the Legislative Assembly were elected by commoners.Campbell 2001 815 The other representatives were either elected by the nobility or were privy councillors serving as ex officio members whom the monarch appointed. Cabinet comprised the privy councillors, the governors of the administrative divisions, and any other individuals of the monarch's choosing. The monarch wielded executive power and appointed the prime minister and the rest of cabinet without needing to consult the Legislative Assembly.Tupou 2016 48 As a result, elections had little impact on government formation.Campbell 2001 811 The pro-democracy movement gained much public support during the reign of King Tāufaʻāhau Tupou IV, with the formation of an ad hoc entity of the same name in 1989, associated with MP ‘Akilisi Pōhiva.Campbell 2001 812 Due to Tupou IV's opposition to the reforms, it was not until his son George Tupou V ascended to the throne in 2006 that the movement's efforts gained traction. Tupou V supported reforms, promising to observe Westminster conventionsCampbell 2012 212 and, when acting as regent shortly before his father's death, appointed commoner and reformist Feleti Sevele as prime minister.Campbell 2008 5 Disputes around what form democratisation would take, however, subsequently emerged. Negotiations between reformists and the government were further complicated by the former reportedly altering their proposals numerous times. During a negotiation between Sevele and Pōhiva in November 2006, riots broke out in Nukuʻalofa, destroying much of the central business district, including a supermarket owned by Sevele and many Chinese-owned businesses. Rioters also struck the building hosting the prime minister's office. While the riots were reportedly attributed to the pressing demands for immediate democratisation by five reformist politicians, the individuals who planned and facilitated the destruction remained unclear. Five reformist members of parliament were subsequently charged with sedition. Despite the riots, the monarch announced that reforms would proceed.Campbell 2008 6 A Royal Commission on reform was established in 2008 and was tasked with formulating recommendations for democratisation.Campbell 2012 216 Because a general election was scheduled to occur that year, democratisation would not take effect until 2010, to allow the government sufficient time to compose the framework of the reforms.Campbell 2012 213 Parliament accepted 18 of the commission's 82 recommendations and approved a further 45 with modifications.Campbell 2012 218 The new system saw the increase of the people's from nine to 17, allowing commoners to elect a majority of the legislature, while the nobles' seats remained at nine. The monarch, while retaining legislative veto power,Campbell 2012 219 would be required to appoint a prime minister elected by the Legislative Assembly,Tupou 2016 48 and, in turn, select cabinet ministers on the prime minister's recommendation. During the reform process, the people's representatives largely abstained from participating,Campbell 2012 219 reportedly for unclear reasons.Campbell 2012 211 As such, when the redrafted reforms were voted on in parliament in April 2010, the MPs who approved were mostly cabinet ministers and the nobles' representatives.Campbell 2012 219 2008 general election 2008 Tongan general election The 2008 general election was the last poll held before the reforms came into effect. Unlike previous elections, however, where debate centred on whether democratisation should be introduced, the primary issue in the 2008 poll was what form the reforms ought to take and when they should be implemented.Campbell 2008 6 Weeks before the election, the Tonga Broadcasting Commission (TBC) announced it would not publish any political stories, stating that its staff did not have the necessary training.Hill Bruce Reporting restrictions in Tonga criticised by region http://www.abc.net.au/ra/programguide/stories/200804/s2213489.htm 9 February 2026 Australian Broadcasting Corporation 11 April 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080415132610/http://www.abc.net.au/ra/programguide/stories/200804/s2213489.htm 15 April 2008 dead In addition, the TBC also disclosed that it would censor candidates' political broadcasts.TBC's censorship committee makes its mark on coming election http://www.matangitonga.to/article/tonganews/newsmedia/tbc_censorship_110408.shtml 9 February 2026 Matangi Tonga 11 April 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080411232220/http://www.matangitonga.to/article/tonganews/newsmedia/tbc_censorship_110408.shtml 11 April 2008 Nukuʻalofa dead The decisions sparked domestic and international criticism, including from the information minister, Afuʻalo Matoto, who said it was "damaging to Tonga's image overseas". Six of the people's seats were won by reformists who were facing sedition charges.Tongans elect pro-democracy MPs http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7366873.stm 10 February 2026 BBC 25 April 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080429204523/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7366873.stm 29 April 2008 live The Human Rights and Democracy Movement (HRDM) secured four people's seats; two went to the People's Democratic Party (PDP); and independents won the other three.Kingdom of Tonga http://psephos.adam-carr.net/countries/t/tonga/tonga2008.txt Psephos 9 February 2026 https://web.archive.org/web/20250114035008/http://psephos.adam-carr.net/countries/t/tonga/tonga2008.txt 14 January 2025 live Electoral system With the introduction of democratic reforms, the 17 people's seats were elected from single-member constituencies,Campbell 2012 219 replacing the multi-member districts.Campbell 2001 815 Ten constituencies were allocated to Tongatapu, three for Vava‘u, Ha‘apai, while ʻEua and the Niuas each had one.Campbell 2012 219 Voting for the nobles' seats remained unchanged, with the 33 heads of the noble families electing representatives from multi-member constituencies.Haoʻuli Sefita Nobles will influence next election https://matangitonga.to/2010/05/01/nobles-will-influence-next-election 11 February 2026 Matangi Tonga 1 May 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20150628092140/https://matangitonga.to/2010/05/01/nobles-will-influence-next-election 28 June 2015 live subscription The nobles vote in the constituency to which their title is attached, thus individuals with multiple titles may exercise plural votes.Campbell 2001 815 Voting was held using the first-past-the-post-voting system. The reforms also allowed the prime minister to advise the monarch to appoint up to four individuals to cabinet who were not elected to parliament. These ministers would then become ex officio members of the Legislative Assembly.Campbell 2012 219 The parliamentary term was extended from three to four years,Tupou 2016 49 with the monarch still having the power to call a snap election.Campbell 2012 219 Candidates and voters were required to be at least 21 years old and hold Tongan citizenship.Campbell 2001 814 Ineligible voters included those who had served a prison sentence of at least two years and individuals convicted of a criminal offence.http://www.ipu.org/parline-e/reports/2317_B.htm 26 January 2025 Electoral system Inter-Parliamentary Union To qualify, candidates were required to be eligible voters and present in Tonga for at least a three-month period within six months before an election.65 Tonga 1875 https://humanrights.govmu.org/Documents/Legislation/Constitution%20of%20Mauritius.pdf 26 January 2025 Constitute Project Candidates running for a people's seat also required the signatures of at least 50 qualified electors from the constituency they contest and a deposit to be paid. Individuals subject to legal action for outstanding debt were ineligible to be contestants. Candidates for the people's seats were also required to undergo a legal clearance to qualify. The nobles, however, were exempt from this procedure.Latu Kalino King approves constitutional amendment requiring nobles to undergo pre-election clearance https://kanivatonga.co.nz/2025/09/king-approves-constitutional-amendment-requiring-nobles-to-undergo-pre-election-clearance/ 7 October 2025 Kaniva Tonga 12 September 2025 https://archive.today/20251007094342/https://kanivatonga.co.nz/2025/09/king-approves-constitutional-amendment-requiring-nobles-to-undergo-pre-election-clearance/ 7 October 2025 live A total of 42,395 individuals were registered to vote in this election.Election for Fale Alea https://www.electionguide.org/elections/id/1574/ International Foundation for Electoral Systems 10 February 2026 https://web.archive.org/web/20141010220341/http://www.electionguide.org/elections/id/1574/ 10 October 2014 live Candidates and campaign A total of 144 individuals contested the election, including 11 women.Griffin 2012 29 The PTOA party, which was formed before the election and led by veteran MP ‘Akilisi Pōhiva, fielded a candidate in all of the people's constituencies and emerged as the major party.Campbell 2012 221 The Sustainable Nation-Building Party, the People's Democratic Party and the Tongan Democratic Labor Party also contested the election. All nine incumbent people's representatives stood for re-election, including five cabinet ministers; however, only three did so as PTOA candidates.Campbell 2012 221 Most candidates ran as independents.Nanau et al. 2014 69 Despite the presence of political parties, most candidates campaigned as individuals, primarily relying on their personal records and local networks. The Tonga Media Council hosted weekly evening forums for two months before the election to encourage candidates to focus on election issues. Each week, the forum invited different panels of contestants to participate, with the issue theme changing every week. The forums were broadcast, with candidate panels answering queries from the public and a media panel.Campbell 2012 220 None of the contesting parties published a clear manifesto or had any decisive policies. PTOA Leader Pōhiva, relying on his tactics used in previous elections, campaigned on the themes of economic development and political reform. The electoral appeal of most PTOA candidates rested on their association with Pōhiva. The other three contesting parties were mostly invisible during the campaign, while the PTOA was the only one established with the objective of forming a government.Campbell 2012 221 Deputy Leader Sitiveni Halapua was widely considered to be the party's presumptive nominee for prime minister.Campbell 2012 223 Conduct The Tonga Electoral Commission (TEC) was established after the reforms were passed, assuming the role of elections authority previously held by the prime minister's department. The TEC conducted a voter registration drive that required all electors to re-enrol. Unlike in previous elections, all voters were provided an electronic identity card to minimise confusion over enrollments, as had been the case in past years.Campbell 2012 220 King Tupou V dissolved the Legislative Assembly and called a snap election on 30 September, bringing forward the polls that were originally planned to take place in 2011, and issued the election writ on the same day.King George Tupou V issues Writs of Election https://matangitonga.to/2010/10/01/king-george-tupou-v-issues-writs-election 12 February 2026 Matangi Tonga 1 October 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20241202111830/https://matangitonga.to/2010/10/01/king-george-tupou-v-issues-writs-election 2 December 2024 live subscription Candidate nominations were open from 21 to 22 October, while voter registration closed on 4 November.Parliamentary candidates to register October 21-22 https://matangitonga.to/2010/09/15/parliamentary-candidates-register-october-21-22 12 February 2026 Matangi Tonga 15 September 2010 https://archive.today/20260212103619/https://matangitonga.to/2010/09/15/parliamentary-candidates-register-october-21-22 12 February 2026 live subscription Delegations from Australia and New Zealand were present in Tonga to observe the elections.First overseas observers for Tongan General Election https://matangitonga.to/2010/11/25/first-overseas-observers-tongan-general-election 12 February 2026 Matangi Tonga 25 November 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20150623040122/https://matangitonga.to/2010/11/25/first-overseas-observers-tongan-general-election 23 June 2015 live subscription On election day, polling for the people's representatives commenced at 9:00 and concluded at 16:00. Voting for the nobles was held at the palace office in Nukuʻalofa and was open from 10:00 to 11:00.Law Lords vote for Nobles Reps https://matangitonga.to/2010/11/25/law-lords-vote-nobles-reps 12 February 2026 Matangi Tonga 25 November 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20240221130550/https://matangitonga.to/2010/11/25/law-lords-vote-nobles-reps 21 February 2024 live subscription The observers stated that the election was "well conducted and completely transparent".Griffin 2012 31 Results The PTOA won 12 of the people's seats, two short of an outright majority, and secured nine of the ten constituencies on Tongatapu.Dorney Sean Big win for democracy party in Tonga elections https://www.abc.net.au/news/2010-11-26/big-win-for-democracy-party-in-tonga-elections/2352360 13 February 2026 Australian Broadcasting Corporation 26 November 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20260213053431/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2010-11-26/big-win-for-democracy-party-in-tonga-elections/2352360 13 February 2026 live Independent candidates won the other five people's seats.Nanau et al. 2014 70 Despite capturing most of the people's constituencies, the PTOA only received 28% of the popular vote, while independents dominated with a combined vote share of 67%. The PTOA was also the only party secure any seats. Two of the successful noble candidates were newcomers.Vaea and Tuʻilakepa to enter House in Nobles seats https://matangitonga.to/2010/11/25/vaea-and-tuilakepa-enter-house-nobles-seats 13 February 2026 Matangi Tonga 25 November 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20120322004852/https://matangitonga.to/2010/11/25/vaea-and-tuilakepa-enter-house-nobles-seats 22 March 2012 live limited None of the female candidates won a seat,Nanau et al. 2014 72 while voter turnout exceeded 90%. File:Tonga Assemblée législative 2010.svg Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands 10953 12 New People's Democratic Party 934 0 –2 Sustainable Nation-Building Party 519 0 New Tongan Democratic Labor Party 168 0 New Independents 25873 5 +2 Nobles' representatives 9 0 66 42395 –4 IFES People's representatives ConstituencyCandidateVotes%NotesTongatapu 1ʻAkilisi Pōhiva1,65762.5ElectedTaniela Talifolau Palu56721.4Poutele Kaho Tu’ihalamaka27010.2'Inoke Fotu Hu’akau1054.0'Eliesa Fifita381.4Siosifa Moala Taumoepeau130.5Tongatapu 2Semisi Sika84937.9ElectedViliami Tangi64128.6Malia Viviena 'Alisi Numia Taumoepeau30613.7Sione Tu’itavake Fonua1818.1Siale 'Ataongo Puloka1115.0Mele Teusivi 'Amanaki652.9Tevita Kaitu’u Fotu492.2Sitafooti 'Aho261.2Semisi 'Ulu’ave Mila120.5Tongatapu 3Sitiveni Halapua1,04738.5ElectedClive Edwards68125.0Viliami Takau28910.6Penisimani Vea2579.4David Kaveinga Vaka1917.0Betty Blake1033.8Sione 'Uhilamoelangi Liava’a833.1Falakiko Karl Taufaeteau351.3Pesalili Kailahi230.8Semisi Nauto Tuapasi 'Ata’ata120.4Tongatapu 4ʻIsileli Pulu1,27458.3Elected'Etika Koka30213.8'Ahongalu Fusimalohi22310.2'Etuate 'Eniti Sakalia2159.8Tupou M. Loto’aniu743.4Mele Tonga Savea Linda Ma’u713.2Christopher Mafi241.1Tongatapu 5ʻAisake Eke67924.1ElectedMaliu Moeao Takai61621.9Siale Napa’a Fihaki30210.7Hekisou Fifita28510.1Sione V. Loseli2388.5Semisi Tongia2338.3Lopeti Senituli1555.5Sione Tu’alau Mangisi1164.1Sione Langi Vailanu983.5Sitiveni Takaetali Finau461.6'Ofa Tautuiaki240.9Pita Ikata’ane Finaulahi190.7Sateki Finau40.1Tongatapu 6Siosifa Tuʻitupou Tuʻutafaiva73526.5ElectedSiosaia Moehau73126.4Posesi Fanua Bloomfield38914.0Sione Fifita Maumau27910.1Viliami Moimoi Vaea1696.1Siosiua Holitei Fonua1635.9Lesieli Hu’availiku Niu612.2Melino He Mapu’atonga Tangi501.8Sione Tu’alau Vimahi471.7Hemaloto Tatafu401.4Sitiveni Finau301.1Sepeti Vakameilalo240.9Fale’aisi Vaea Tangitau180.7Latu Timote Tu’i’asoa170.6'Ofakitokelau Fakalata160.6Tongatapu 7Sione Sangster Saulala84732.6ElectedGiulio Masasso Tu’ikolongahau Paunga62123.9Sione Vuna Fa’otusia42916.5Mavaetangi Manavahetau2409.2Siosifa Filini Sikuea1606.2Peato Tauholoaki Takai1174.5'Anau Ki Lifuka 'Anau893.4'Amanaki Paea Molitika592.3Finau Lea’aetalafo’ou230.9Hoatatau Tenisi150.6Tongatapu 8Sione Taione90134.1ElectedLui 'Aho77029.1Fataimoemanu Lafaele Vaihu47417.9Siaosi 'Etika Moleni1776.7Sioape Tu’iono1184.5Mosese Senituli Manu833.1Simote Po’uliva’ati662.5Simione Kau Silapelu321.2Nakita Talanoa200.8Solo Fefioloi Solomone La’akulu50.2Tongatapu 9Kaveinga Faʻanunu90834.0ElectedSevenitini Toumo’ua41415.5Viliami Fukofuka2629.8Filimone Fifita2419.0'Aisake 'Etimoni Tu’iono2298.6Siaosi 'Enosi Tu’ipulotu1475.5Semisi Kailahi1365.1Tonga Tongilava Lemoto1104.1'Epeli Taufa Kalemani511.9Konisitutone Simana Kami501.9Falati Papani491.8Mosese Latu220.8Sione 'Umeahola Faeamani210.8'Ofa Fatai180.7Samisoni Lotaki Kanongata’a150.6Tongatapu 10Semisi Tapueluelu79226.6ElectedPohiva Tuʻiʻonetoa61320.6Faka’osilea Kaufusi60820.5Faka’osi 'Akapulu Maama2779.3Semisi Kaifoto Pale1705.7Daniel Kimball Fale1093.7ZCO Ongosia 'Uhatafe1043.5Soane Vaka’uta Melekiola772.6Fifita Sili712.4Latanoa Pikula642.2Kitione Pomaama612.1Malia Peata Sioko Noa270.9ʻEua 11Sunia Fili77237.2ElectedSione Sengililala Moala66732.1Tevita Lavemaau63730.7Haʻapai 12Moʻale Finau47031.9ElectedViliami Hingano30620.8Paula Vi28019.0Latiume Kaufusi17411.8Tevita 'Ova714.8Mosese Moimoi Fakahua704.8Sione Tu’itupou Fotu392.6Sione Fekau Mafile’o382.6Langilangi Vimahi161.1Penisimani Tavalu Fatafehi80.5Haʻapai 13ʻUliti Uata1,09070.5ElectedSione Teisina Fuko25316.4Lopeti Kamipeli Tofa20413.2Vavaʻu 14Lisiate ʻAkolo66528.0ElectedʻEtuate Lavulavu54022.7Paula Piveni Piukala50221.1Tu’amelie He Lotu Faaitu’a Kemoe’atu38016.0Peauafi Pifeleti2098.8Siale Fifita512.1Pita Vi Hala’api’api321.3Vavaʻu 15Samiu Vaipulu61833.1ElectedUalingi Salesi Paea36219.4Keuli Pasina Lavaki30516.3Viliami Kaufusi Helu23512.6Semisi Lavaka20811.1Viliami Pasikala1387.4Vavaʻu 16Viliami Latu88143.7ElectedTevita Hala Palefau34717.2Tevita Kaafi Tukofuka29814.8'Aisea Silivenusi28914.3'Atalasa Misilemoti Pouvalu20310.1Ongo Niua 17Sosefo Feʻaomoeata Vakata38346.8ElectedSione Feingatau ʻIloa22827.8Petelo Taukei Fuaevalu 'Ahomana20825.4Source: Matangi Tonga Nobles ConstituencyElected candidateVotesʻEuaLord Lasike6HaʻapaiLord Fakafānua4Lord Tuʻihaʻateiho4NiuasLord Fusituʻa1TongatapuLord Tuʻivakanō13Lord Maʻafu10Lord Vaea8VavaʻuLord Tuʻiʻafitu4Lord Tuʻilakepa4Source: Matangi Tonga Aftermath thumb|right|180px|Sialeʻataongo Tuʻivakanō, a member of the nobility, was elected prime minister The election was widely reported as a triumph for the PTOA and the reformists. The party needed to win over the independent people's representatives to form a government. Because the nobles operated as a unified bloc, the independent people's MPs held the balance of power. The monarch advised the nobles to refrain from nominating a member of their bloc to contest the parliamentary vote for prime minister to ensure the people's representatives would lead the government formation. Despite Deputy Leader Halapua being touted as a candidate for prime minister during the campaign, mainly due to his more favourable reputation with the nobles, the PTOA instead nominated Pōhiva. Two of the independent people's representatives nominated noble MP Sialeʻataongo Tuʻivakanō.Campbell 2012 222 Pōhiva hosted public rallies in an attempt to convince the independents to support him. The PTOA leader also sought to introduce a dynamic of bipolarity to parliament, that is, a government with an adversarial opposition, which reportedly alienated the nobles and some independent people's MPs who favoured greater unity and cooperation. As such, these MPs were not receptive to Pōhiva's call for a government of national unity, which they believed was a smoke screen.Campbell 2012 223 The PTOA gained the support of one independent,Tonga election winners plan to co-opt two independents http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=57281 27 November 2010 Radio New Zealand 26 November 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20120729033047/http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=57281 29 July 2012 dead however, this was offset by another MP withdrawing support for the party.Nobles now more likely to form next Tonga government http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=57565 9 December 2010 Radio New Zealand 8 December 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20120729033549/http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=57565 29 July 2012 dead The Legislative Assembly was initially scheduled to convene and vote for a prime minister on 20 December, but the meeting was deferred to the following day. The delay was due to the Lord Chamberlain, tasked with presenting the monarch with the prime ministerial election results, being unable to meet with him on the original day. The monarch, by law, is required to be the first informed of all secret ballot results, of which elections for prime minister are conducted.Day’s delay before Tonga’s MPs select new prime minister http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=57773 23 November 2011 Radio New Zealand 20 December 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20120806055432/http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=57773 6 August 2012 dead Tu‘ivanakō went on to defeat Pōhiva, receiving 14 votes, while the PTOA leader received 12.Campbell 2012 222 Tuʻivakanō was sworn in as prime minister on 22 December,First commoner PM ends 5-years appointment https://matangitonga.to/2010/12/22/first-commoner-pm-ends-5-years-appointment 16 February 2026 Matangi Tonga 22 December 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20150406060115/https://matangitonga.to/2010/12/22/first-commoner-pm-ends-5-years-appointment 6 April 2015 live subscription and unveiled his cabinet on 31 December. The new prime minister included three nobles and six people's representatives in his cabinet, such as former Justice Minister Samiu Vaipulu who became deputy prime minister. Tuʻivakanō also chose two commoners from outside parliament: Clive Edwards, who lost his seat during the election,Tonga's prime minister names his cabinet http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=57961 31 December 2010 Radio New Zealand 31 December 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20120806060015/http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=57961 6 August 2012 dead and ʻAna Taufeʻulungaki, who became education minister and the sole female member of parliament. Two PTOA members were appointed to cabinet, including Pōhiva who was to be health minister. He later declined to assume the role, however, expressing disappointment that the PTOA were not offered more roles in cabinet.Campbell 2012 223 The two PTOA members that did accept cabinet positions was Sione Sangster Saulala, who was expelled from the party shortly after taking office, and Siosifa Tuʻitupou Tuʻutafaiva, who subsequently left the PTOA.Latu Kalino Tonga Democratic Party unlikely to change Party MPs https://kanivatonga.co.nz/2014/06/tonga-democratic-party-unlikely-change-party-mps/ 12 January 2026 Kaniva Tonga 2 June 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20250208162802/https://kanivatonga.co.nz/2014/06/tonga-democratic-party-unlikely-change-party-mps/ 8 February 2025 live The party subsequently became the de facto opposition.Campbell 2012 223 Cabinet ministers assumed office on 4 January 2011,New ministers take-up portfolios http://matangitonga.to/2011/01/10/new-ministers-take-portfolios 16 February 2026 Matangi Tonga 20 January 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20250422195440/http://matangitonga.to/2011/01/10/new-ministers-take-portfolios 22 April 2025 live subscription while members of the Legislative Assembly were sworn in on 14 January.New Members of Parliament sworn-in https://matangitonga.to/2011/01/14/new-members-parliament-sworn 16 February 2026 Matangi Tonga 14 January 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20260216045956/https://matangitonga.to/2011/01/14/new-members-parliament-sworn 16 February 2026 live subscription References Bibliography 35em Campbell Ian Nohlen Dieter Elections in Asia and the Pacific: A Data Handbook Volume II: Southeast Asia, East Asia, and the South Pacific 15 November 2001 Oxford University Press Oxford 9780191600012 809–822 Tonga Campbell Ian Tonga: The Constitution, the Riot, the Election and Reform New Zealand International Review 1 September 2008 33 5 2–6 https://search.informit.org/doi/abs/10.3316/informit.253867954416006 9 October 2025 subscription Campbell Ian The Nettle Grasped: Tonga's New Democracy The Journal of Pacific History June 2012 47 2 211–225 10.1080/00223344.2012.674474 41710225 https://www.jstor.org/stable/41710225 9 October 2025 subscription Griffin Alan Report of the Parliamentary delegation to Indonesia and Tonga 18 June 2012 Parliament of Australia 9780642796721 19-33 Tonga Nanau Gordon Latu Archie Mona Durutalo Alumita Amosa Desmond Sowing Representative Democracy in the Kingdom of Tonga: The 2010 Elections and Future Implications for Political Education Micronesian Educator 2014 19 60-80 School of Education, University of Guam 1061-088X Nanau et al. 2014 Tupou Mele Constitutional and Political Reform in the Kingdom of Tonga: New Wine in Old Bottles? Journal of South Pacific Law 2016 1 46–65 https://www.usp.ac.fj/discipline-of-law/wp-content/uploads/sites/128/2022/01/Constitutional_and_Political_Reform_in_The_Kingdom_Of_Tonga-Mele-Tupou.pdf 7 October 2025 1684-5307 External links Full candidate list Tonga Category:Elections in Tonga General Tonga