2014 Tongan general election

none January 2026 January 2026 Tonga 27 November 2014 2010 2017 All 26 elected seats in the Legislative Assembly 14 79.16% ( 11.68pp) ʻAkilisi Pōhiva Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands 9 12 33.34 – Independents 8 5 66.66 2014 Tongan parliamentary election - Results by constituency.svg Results by constituency Prime Minister Sialeʻataongo Tuʻivakanō Independent ʻAkilisi Pōhiva Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands General elections were held in Tonga on 27 November 2014. Sialeʻataongo Tuʻivakanō, a noble member of parliament, had served as prime minister since 2010, assuming the role after the country's first post-democratisation election. The Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands (PTOA), led by veteran politician ʻAkilisi Pōhiva, missed out on forming a government after the 2010 election and became the de facto opposition. The PTOA unsuccessfully attempted to pass additional government reforms thereafter. The PTOA largely campaigned on increasing government transparency and strengthening the rule of law. The 2014 election saw extensive involvement from the Tongan diaspora, even though voting was restricted to eligible voters present in Tonga on election day. The PTOA went on to win nine seats, a decrease from 12 in 2010, while independent candidates won eight. Around half of the people's representatives, and one of the nine noble members, lost their seats. Despite a record 16 women having contested the election, no female candidates secured a seat. Following the election, parliament elected a prime minister on 29 December. Two candidates were nominated, the PTOA's Pōhiva and Deputy Prime Minister Samiu Vaipulu, an independent. Pōhiva went on to defeat Vaipulu, after securing the support of some independents, and became the first commoner to be elected as Tonga's prime minister. Pōhiva was sworn in on 30 December and unveiled his cabinet the following day. Background The previous election, held in 2010, was the first held after the implementation of democratic reforms that year.Campbell 2012 220Fraenkel Jon Tonga poll ushers in historic opportunity https://devpolicy.org/tonga-poll-ushers-in-historic-opportunity20101203/ 12 January 2026 DevPolicy 3 December 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20231203073013/https://devpolicy.org/tonga-poll-ushers-in-historic-opportunity20101203/ 3 December 2023 live The reforms saw the then-monarch, King George Tupou V, relinquish much of his executive powers.Tupou 2016 46 The number of people's seats was also increased from nine to 17,Tupou 2016 49,60 allowing the formation of governments that would predominantly comprise popularly elected members.Tupou 2016 46 The PTOA, which was formed shortly before the election by veteran pro-democracy politician ‘Akilisi Pōhiva, secured 12 of the people's seats, while independents won the other five. Following the election, the PTOA nominated Pōhiva for prime minister,Campbell 2012 222 despite Deputy Leader Sitiveni Halapua having been the party's presumptive nominee during the campaign.Campbell 2012 223 Two of the independent people's representatives nominated noble MP Sialeʻataongo Tuʻivakanō to challenge Pōhiva. Tuʻivakanō went on to defeat Pōhiva in the parliamentary vote, receiving 14 votes to his opponent's 12.Campbell 2012 222 Pōhiva's confrontational style and the PTOA's attempts to introduce a bi-polarity system in parliament, with a governing caucus and opposition, reportedly alienated many of the nobles' representatives.Campbell 2012 222-223 Tuʻivakanō appointed two PTOA members to the cabinet; Pōhiva was offered the health portfolio but ultimately declined. He expressed disappointment that Tuʻivakanō did not appoint more PTOA MPs to cabinet.Campbell 2012 223 One of the PTOA cabinet ministers, Sione Sangster Saulala, was expelled from the party shortly after taking office, while the other, Siosifa Tuʻitupou Tuʻutafaiva, 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 in parliament.Cass 2016 100 In October 2012, Prime Minister Tuʻivakanō survived a no-confidence motion that was filed by the PTOA. Pōhiva accused the government of misappropriating funds, which he said was in violated the constitution. The motion was rejected with 11 MPs in support, while 13 voted to keep Tu‘ivakanō in office.Tonga government beats no confidence vote https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/207702/tonga-government-beats-no-confidence-vote 17 January 2026 Radio New Zealand 9 October 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20260117015852/https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/207702/tonga-government-beats-no-confidence-vote 17 January 2026 live During the parliamentary term, the PTOA attempted to pass further electoral reforms. In 2013, PTOA MP ʻAisake Eke introduced a bill that would have allowed the public to directly vote for the prime minister, instead of the members of the Legislative Assembly. The legislature rejected the bill in late October, with only six MPs voting in favour and 15 against. Some PTOA MPs also opposed the proposal.Fonua Pesi Parliament rejects a Bill to change Tonga's electoral system https://matangitonga.to/2013/10/24/parliament-rejects-bill-change-tongas-electoral-system 12 January 2026 Matangi Tonga 24 October 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20241130105047/https://matangitonga.to/2013/10/24/parliament-rejects-bill-change-tongas-electoral-system 30 November 2024 live subscription A week later, Pōhiva announced that his party would submit another reform proposal in the first parliamentary session of 2014 that would see voting for the nobles' representatives be extended to the rest of the country's electorate, rather than being restricted to the nobility. Pōhiva argued that the proposal would bring more public accountability to parliament.Tonga Democrats to table more reform plans https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/226216/tonga-democrats-to-table-more-reform-plans 12 January 2026 Radio New Zealand 30 October 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20250423150441/https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/226216/tonga-democrats-to-table-more-reform-plans 23 April 2025 live Academic Malakai Koloamatangi stated that while the proposal had some public support, he believed it was too late in the parliamentary term for the bill to have any effect on the 2014 election, even if it were to pass. Koloamatangi further noted that the PTOA would have had to introduce the bill at least by mid-term for it to take effect in time for the election.Tonga reform push too late before elections, says academic https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/226336/tonga-reform-push-too-late-before-elections%2C-says-academic 12 January 2026 Radio New Zealand 31 October 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20251015055847/https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/226336/tonga-reform-push-too-late-before-elections,-says-academic 15 October 2025 live Electoral system The Legislative Assembly of Tonga has up to 30 members, of which 17 are directly elected by first-past-the-post voting from single-member constituencies. The island of Tongatapu has ten constituencies, Vavaʻu three, Haʻapai two and ʻEua and the Niuas have one each.http://www.ipu.org/parline-e/reports/2317_B.htm 26 January 2025 Electoral system Inter-Parliamentary Union Nine seats are held by members of the nobility who elect representatives amongst themselves. The cabinet, formed by a prime minister, may include up to four members not elected to the Assembly, who then automatically become members of the legislature.Last elections http://www.ipu.org/parline-e/reports/2317_E.htm 26 January 2025 Inter-Parliamentary Union Unless the monarch dissolves the Legislative Assembly early, members serve a four-year term.77 Tonga 1875 https://humanrights.govmu.org/Documents/Legislation/Constitution%20of%20Mauritius.pdf 26 January 2025 Constitute Project Candidates and voters are required to be at least 21 years old and hold Tongan citizenship. Ineligible voters include those who have served a prison sentence of at least two years and individuals convicted of a criminal offence. To qualify, candidates are required to be eligible voters and present in Tonga for at least a three-month period within the 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 require 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 are ineligible to be contestants. Contestants 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 51,448 individuals were registered to vote in this election.51,448 voters registered for General Election https://matangitonga.to/2014/11/19/51448-voters-registered-general-election 13 January 2026 Matangi Tonga 19 November 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20241112094101/https://matangitonga.to/2014/11/19/51448-voters-registered-general-election 12 November 2024 live subscription Candidates and campaign A total of 105 candidates contested the people's seats,Tonga campaign finishes ahead of Thursday poll https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/programmes/datelinepacific/audio/20158765/tonga-campaign-finishes-ahead-of-thursday-poll 17 January 2026 Radio New Zealand 26 November 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20200611115303/https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/programmes/datelinepacific/audio/20158765/tonga-campaign-finishes-ahead-of-thursday-poll 11 June 2020 live a decrease from the 144 in 2010. A record 16 female contestants ran in the election, a seventeenth woman candidate withdrew from the race due to large unpaid debts to the courts.Folau Linny 106 candidates for Tonga's General Election 2014 https://matangitonga.to/2014/10/24/106-candidates-tongas-general-election-2014 15 January 2026 Matangi Tonga 24 October 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20250618220139/https://matangitonga.to/2014/10/24/106-candidates-tongas-general-election-2014 18 June 2025 Nukuʻalofa live Two other Tongatapu candidates were disqualified, including one who was not residing in the constituency he was to contest.Third Tongatapu candidate disqualified https://matangitonga.to/2014/11/25/third-tongatapu-candidate-disqualified 17 January 2026 Matangi Tonga 25 November 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20150415122942/https://matangitonga.to/2014/11/25/third-tongatapu-candidate-disqualified 15 April 2015 live subscription The PTOA fielded 17 candidates.Rika Netani Tonga's Freedom Fighter aims for election victory https://islandsbusiness.com/archives/2014/2014-november/tongas-freedom-fighter-aims-for-election-victory/ 15 January 2026 Islands Business 13 November 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20250810201254/https://islandsbusiness.com/archives/2014/2014-november/tongas-freedom-fighter-aims-for-election-victory/ 10 August 2025 live limited Before the election, Pōhiva's newspaper, Keleʻa, proposed to swap out some of the PTOA's sitting MPs on Tongatapu running for re-election. The party's then-deputy leader, ʻIsileli Pulu, warned that such a move could potentially undermine the PTOA's chances of forming a government, especially if the booted members were re-elected as independents. Following backlash from some of the party's MPs, Pōhiva abandoned the plan. Pulu, however, was disappointed that the final candidate list had not been determined collectively, and, along with another senior member, defected to run as an independent. Despite the defections, Pōhiva expressed confidence in the party's chances in the election.Tonga Democrats confident despite losing candidates https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/programmes/datelinepacific/audio/20148282/tonga-democrats-confident-despite-losing-candidates 15 January 2026 Radio New Zealand 4 September 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20210301202637/https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/programmes/datelinepacific/audio/20148282/tonga-democrats-confident-despite-losing-candidates 1 March 2021 live The PTOA campaigned on strengthening the rule of law, which Pōhiva said would be enabled by increasing accountability and transparency in government.Tonga Democrats: rule of law 'weak' https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/258967/tonga-democrats-rule-of-law-%27weak%27 15 January 2026 Radio New Zealand 10 November 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20220702212037/https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/258967/tonga-democrats-rule-of-law-'weak' 2 July 2022 live He also continued to advocate for the elections of the nobles' representatives to be extended to all eligible voters, arguing that such a measure would be a crucial step to ensure government is held accountable by the public. Pōhiva clarified that the PTOA supported retaining the monarchy, but believed the democratic reforms had been inefficient up until that point, which he attributed to the nobles' domination in the sitting government. Many candidates also campaigned in Auckland, New Zealand. Despite Tongans abroad not being able to vote overseas, the diaspora's increasing engagement with Tonga's domestic affairs and influence over voters in the country through social media had led many candidates to view them as crucial.Cass 2016 94 Many Tongans in New Zealand reportedly supported Pōhiva and his party.Cass 2016 100 Conduct The parliamentary term formally concluded on 11 September,Folau Linny Prince Ata closes 2014 parliamentary session https://matangitonga.to/2014/09/11/prince-ata-closes-2014-parliamentary-session 17 January 2026 Matangi Tonga 11 September 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20150324005042/https://matangitonga.to/2014/09/11/prince-ata-closes-2014-parliamentary-session 24 March 2015 live subscription while voter registration closed on 16 September. King Tupou VI issued the election writ on 30 September.Voter registration ends for Tonga General Election 2014 https://matangitonga.to/2014/09/16/voter-registration-ends-tonga-general-election-2014 17 January 2026 Matangi Tonga 16 September 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20250325093249/https://matangitonga.to/2014/09/16/voter-registration-ends-tonga-general-election-2014 25 March 2025 live subscription Unlike in 2010, there little to no international delegations observing present in Tonga to observe the election. A campaign blackout commenced on the morning of 26 November, 24-hours before voting commenced. On election day, voting for the people's seats began at 9:00 and concluded at 16:00.Tonga campaign finishes ahead of Thursday poll https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/programmes/datelinepacific/audio/20158765/tonga-campaign-finishes-ahead-of-thursday-poll 17 January 2026 Radio New Zealand 26 November 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20200611115303/https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/programmes/datelinepacific/audio/20158765/tonga-campaign-finishes-ahead-of-thursday-poll 11 June 2020 live Voting for the nobles' representatives was held from 10:00 to 12:00.Nobles Election on November 27 https://matangitonga.to/2014/11/07/nobles-election-november-27 17 January 2026 Matangi Tonga 7 November 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20251217193126/https://matangitonga.to/2014/11/07/nobles-election-november-27 17 December 2025 live subscription The election was reportedly peaceful with few irregularities.Tonga election: Strong turnout as voters dump half their incumbent MPs https://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-11-29/strong-turnout-for-tonga-election-as-many-mps-dumped/5923790 18 January 2026 Australian Broadcasting Corporation 29 November 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20241209215651/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-11-29/strong-turnout-for-tonga-election-as-many-mps-dumped/5923790 9 December 2024 live The electoral commission received complaints after the election against two successful candidates in Vavaʻu, claiming they violated campaign regulations.Complaints against Vavaʻu PR's campaigns https://matangitonga.to/2014/12/04/complaints-against-vava-u-prs-campaigns 17 January 2026 Matangi Tonga 4 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20251117074618/https://matangitonga.to/2014/12/04/complaints-against-vava-u-prs-campaigns 17 November 2025 live subscription Results The PTOA won nine of the people's seats, while independents won the other eight. Despite securing one less seat than the PTOA, independents received a combined majority of the popular vote, with around 66%.Legislative elections of 27 November 2014 http://psephos.adam-carr.net/countries/t/tonga/tonga2014.txt Tonga Portal 18 January 2026 https://web.archive.org/web/20250114041015/http://psephos.adam-carr.net/countries/t/tonga/tonga2014.txt 14 January 2025 live Psephos Of the incumbent people's representatives that contested the election, 12 of whom, approximately half, lost their seats, including seven of the ten Tongatapu MPs.Tongatapu voters replace seven MPs https://matangitonga.to/2014/11/27/tongatapu-voters-replace-seven-mps 18 January 2026 Matangi Tonga 27 November 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20241214141735/https://matangitonga.to/2014/11/27/tongatapu-voters-replace-seven-mps 14 December 2024 Nukuʻalofa live One noble MP also lost re-election. Although the election saw record female participation, no women won any seats. PTOA MP Moʻale Finau initially secured re-election in the Haʻapai 12 constituency by a narrow margin. A subsequent recount, however, awarded the seat to Finau's main opponent, independent Viliami Hingano.Haʻapai 12 Ballot recount confirms Vili Hingano http://matangitonga.to/2014/12/09/haapai-12-ballot-recount-confirms-vili-hingano 18 January 2026 Matangi Tonga 9 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20241208001342/https://matangitonga.to/2014/12/09/haapai-12-ballot-recount-confirms-vili-hingano 8 December 2024 live subscription File:Tonga Assemblée législative 2014.svg Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands 13548 9 –3 Independents 27084 8 +3 Nobles' representatives 9 0 0 95 51448 TEC, Psephos, IFES By constituency Tongatapu 1 ʻAkilisi Pōhiva Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands 1482 William Cocker Independent 448 Mosese Teu-Ki-Veiuto Manuofetoa Independent 345 Ilisapesi Tauʻakitangata Seli Baker Independent 191 Ana Kanume Bing Fonua Independent 132 Emeline ʻUheina Tuita Independent 75 Eliesa Fifita Independent 75 Soloni Lutui Independent 8 13 TEC Tongatapu 2 Sēmisi Sika Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands 1091 Sione Tuʻitavake Fonua Independent 543 Tevita Kaituʻu Fotu Independent 436 Soane Patita Vakautafefine Fifita Independent 186 9 TEC Tongatapu 3 Siaosi Sovaleni Independent 999 Tevita Palu Independent 711 Clive Edwards Independent 518 Mesuilame Simote Vea Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands 459 Mele Teusivi ʻAmanaki Independent 151 Gabriella ʻIlolahia Independent 110 Paula Lavulo Independent 15 6 TEC Tongatapu 4 Mateni Tapueluelu Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands 783 ʻIsileli Pulu Independent 570 Etika Koka Independent 492 Seketi Foʻou Fuko Independent 248 Etuate ʻEniti Sakalia Independent 168 Poli Tuaileva Independent 94 Tevita ʻIta Koloamatangi Independent 54 Felise ʻUlupano Independent 37 Tominiko Folaumotuita Kama Independent 4 12 TEC Tongatapu 5 ʻAisake Eke Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands 1682 Maliu Takai Independent 1090 Lia Manatu Faoa Independent 72 Viliami Mangisi Independent 44 10 TEC Tongatapu 6 Poasi Tei Independent 1036 Salesi Finau Huʻia Fotu Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands 912 Siosifa Tuʻitupou Tuʻutafaiva Independent 629 Sione Tatafu Angakehe Tafuna Independent 325 7 TEC Tongatapu 7 Sione Vuna Faʻotusia Independent 822 Sione Sangster Saulala Independent 762 Sipola Fakaʻanga Havili Halafihi Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands 686 Mavaetangi Manavahetau Independent 199 Atalasa Misilemoti Pouvalu Independent 99 Pinomi Prescott Independent 41 Amanaki Paea Molitika Independent 33 Siosifa Filini Sikuea Independent 31 5 TEC Tongatapu 8 Semisi Fakahau Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands 1016 Tevita Tuʻi Uata Independent 895 Sione Taione Independent 663 Mafileʻo Mataele Independent 32 Sipaisi Kutu Independent 12 3 TEC Tongatapu 9 Penisimani Fifita Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands 692 Vika Fusimalohi Independent 618 Falisi Tupou Independent 571 Tevita Tupu ʻOfa Independent 506 Samipeni Uaine Finau Independent 199 Lemasingo Tania Nai Independent 90 7 TEC Tongatapu 10 Pōhiva Tuʻiʻonetoa Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands 1402 Fakaʻosilea Kaufusi Independent 845 Daniel Kimball Fale Independent 452 Semisi Tapueluelu Independent 285 Seini Teu Independent 45 6 TEC ʻEua 11 Tevita Lavemaau Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands 760 Sunia Fili Independent 716 Taniela Fusimalohi Independent 618 Suliasi Pouvalu Fonise 'Aholelei Independent 57 Silivia Loumaile Mahe Independent 7 1 TEC Haʻapai 12 Viliami Hingano Independent 535 Moʻale Finau Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands 532 Pita Faiva Taufatofua Independent 396 Pita Vi Independent 158 Tuʻivaita Ueleni Independent 69 Latiume Kaufusi Independent 18 1 TEC Haʻapai 13 Veivosa Taka Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands 823 Samiuela Takapuna Fangaloka Independent 443 Sosaia Langitoto Helu Independent 156 Anau Ki Lifuka ʻAnau Independent 139 Sione Talanoa Fifita Independent 103 1 TEC Vavaʻu 14 Saia Piukala Independent 1232 Lisiate ʻAkolo Independent 739 Latu Niua Lepolo Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands 272 Matini Veikune Independent 79 Tuʻamelie Faituʻa Kemoeʻatu Independent 70 Tongovua Toloke Appleton Independent 34 Taniela Fakalolo Kivalu Independent 17 4 TEC Vavaʻu 15 Samiu Vaipulu Independent 747 Tomifa Paea Independent 524 Kulufeinga ʻAnisi Bloomfield Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands 472 Keuli Pasina Lavaki Independent 166 Sione Sosefo Fitu Mailangi Independent 95 Alekisio Kaitaʻeifo Independent 77 Alwyn Thomas Moa Independent 36 Elieta Sapate Toke Independent 31 Salesi Kauvaka Independent 27 Viliami Kaufusi Helu Independent 20 Viliami Pasikala Independent 16 Henele Tuʻulau Fononga Independent 9 4 TEC Vavaʻu 16 ‘Etuate Lavulavu Independent 767 Viliami Latu Independent 627 Ipeni ʻAlamoni Siale Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands 346 Tupoulahi Manuofetoa Independent 212 Aisea Silivenusi Independent 135 Viliami Lolohea Independent 106 Ikani Loneli Taliai Independent 87 5 TEC Ongo Niua 17 Sosefo Feʻaomoeata Vakata Independent 519 Vatau Hui Independent 291 Sione Peauafi Haukinima Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands 138 1 TEC Nobles ConstituencyElected candidateVotesʻEuaLord Nuku7HaʻapaiLord Tuʻihaʻateiho4Lord Tuʻihaʻangana4NiuasLord Fusituʻa2TongatapuLord Vaea11Lord Maʻafu10Lord Tuʻivakanō8VavaʻuLord Tuʻiʻafitu5Lord Tuʻilakepa4Source: Tonga Portal Aftermath thumb|right|180px|Veteran MP ʻAkilisi Pōhiva became the first commoner to be elected prime minister Following the election, 14 of the people's representatives, who composed a majority of all MPs, met on 3 December and reached an agreement, determining that the next prime minister should be a people's member.People's Reps call for a commoner Prime Minister http://matangitonga.to/2014/12/03/peoples-reps-call-commoner-prime-minister 19 January 2026 Matangi Tonga 3 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141211011446/http://matangitonga.to/2014/12/03/peoples-reps-call-commoner-prime-minister 11 December 2014 live subscription Two candidates contested the parliamentary vote for prime minister.Two nominations for Prime Minister https://matangitonga.to/2014/12/23/two-nominations-prime-minister 19 January 2026 Matangi Tonga 23 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20250519110633/https://matangitonga.to/2014/12/23/two-nominations-prime-minister 19 May 2025 live subscription The independent people's representatives nominated Deputy Prime Minister Samiu Vaipulu, while the nobles' representatives initially nominated ʻAlipate Tuʻivanuavou Vaea. After negotiating with the independent people's MPs, however, on 15 December the nobles withdrew Vaea's nomination and backed Vaipulu.Independent PRs nominate Samiu Vaipulu for PM https://matangitonga.to/2014/12/16/independent-prs-nominate-samiu-vaipulu-pm 19 January 2026 Matangi Tonga 16 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20251217193215/https://matangitonga.to/2014/12/16/independent-prs-nominate-samiu-vaipulu-pm 17 December 2025 live subscription Pōhiva also ran in the prime ministerial election, supported by his PTOA party.Tongan democracy activist becomes first commoner elected as PM https://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-12-29/tongan-democracy-activist-becomes-first-commoner-elected-pm/5991824 19 January 2026 Australian Broadcasting Corporation 29 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20250506001415/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-12-29/tongan-democracy-activist-becomes-first-commoner-elected-pm/5991824 6 May 2025 live Vaipulu emerged as the apparent favourite to win, reportedly having the support of a majority of MPs at one point; however, shortly before the 29 December vote, Pōhiva managed to win support from a bloc of independents led by Siaosi Sovaleni.Moala Kalafi Emergence of independent candidates – is this a new political group? https://talanoaotonga.to/emergence-of-independent-candidates-is-this-a-new-political-group/ 19 January 2026 Talanoa ʻo Tonga 24 October 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20250521182838/https://talanoaotonga.to/emergence-of-independent-candidates-is-this-a-new-political-group/ 21 May 2025 liveTonga's PM election set for December 29 https://matangitonga.to/2014/12/24/tongas-pm-election-set-december-29 19 January 2026 Matangi Tonga 24 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20250217012223/https://matangitonga.to/2014/12/24/tongas-pm-election-set-december-29 17 February 2025 live subscription Pōhiva went on to defeat Vaipulu, becoming the first commoner to be elected prime minister. He received 15 votes, while Vaipulu garnered the support of 11 MPs. Pōhiva subsequently called on the nobles to work with his government and assist in passing further government reforms. Pōhiva was sworn in on 30 December,Tonga's new PM being sworn in https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/262803/tonga%27s-new-pm-being-sworn-in 19 January 2026 Radio New Zealand 30 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20241207080907/https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/262803/tonga's-new-pm-being-sworn-in 7 December 2024 live and the monarch approved his cabinet selection the following day. Sovaleni became deputy prime minister, while Pōhiva retained two cabinet ministers from the previous government, including the lands and natural resources minister, Maʻafu Tukuiʻaulahi, who was also the only noble MP selected.King accepts Tonga's new Cabinet https://matangitonga.to/2014/12/31/king-accepts-tongas-new-cabinet 19 January 2026 Matangi Tonga 31 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20250211143000/https://matangitonga.to/2014/12/31/king-accepts-tongas-new-cabinet 11 February 2025 live subscription Outgoing Prime Minister Tuʻivakanō was elected as the speaker of parliament.ʻAkilisi Pohiva, Tonga's new Prime Minister https://matangitonga.to/2014/12/29/akilisi-pohiva-tongas-new-prime-minister 19 January 2026 Matangi Tonga 29 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141231204722/https://matangitonga.to/2014/12/29/akilisi-pohiva-tongas-new-prime-minister 31 December 2014 Nukuʻalofa live The monarch opened the Legislative Assembly on 15 January 2015.Parliament's session opens with short speech https://matangitonga.to/2015/01/15/parliaments-session-opens-short-speech 19 January 2026 Matangi Tonga 15 January 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20241213213605/https://matangitonga.to/2015/01/15/parliaments-session-opens-short-speech 13 December 2024 live subscription Some unsuccessful candidates filed electoral petitions against their successful opponents after the election, alleging bribery and other electoral corruption on the part of their opponents. Two of the defendants were former Deputy Prime Minister Vaipulu and Education Minister ʻEtuate Lavulavu.Election petitions against Vavaʻu PRs https://matangitonga.to/2015/01/20/election-petitions-against-vavau-prs 19 January 2026 Matangi Tonga 20 January 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20251109194050/https://matangitonga.to/2015/01/20/election-petitions-against-vavau-prs 9 November 2025 live subscription The petition against Vaipulu, which alleged that he induced voters by offering them cigarettes and other goods, was withdrawn by the complainant in March 2015.Election petition withdrawn against Vavaʻu PR https://matangitonga.to/2015/03/06/election-petition-withdrawn-against-vava-u-pr 19 January 2026 Matangi Tonga 6 March 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20251205050009/https://matangitonga.to/2015/03/06/election-petition-withdrawn-against-vava-u-pr 5 December 2025 live subscription The Supreme Court, on the other hand, convicted Lavulavu for bribery in January 2016, finding that he had financed the construction of roads during the campaign and offered money to voters on election day to win votes. The court also found he had spent beyond the legal limit and voided his election to the Vava‘u 16 seat.Tongan minister found guilty of bribery https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/295262/tongan-minister-found-guilty-of-bribery 19 January 2026 Radio New Zealand 29 January 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20250425143955/https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/295262/tongan-minister-found-guilty-of-bribery 25 April 2025 Lavulavu's wife, ʻAkosita Lavulavu, won the subsequent by-election in the constituency, which was held in July 2016. As a result, she became the first woman to be elected to the Legislative Assembly since democratisation.Ratuva 2017 181-182 References Bibliography 35em 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 Cass Philip A foreign flower no more: Tongan diasporic media and the 2014 Tongan election Pacific Journalism Review – Te Koakoa July 2016 22 1 93-104 10.24135/pjr.v22i1.14 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/314130204_A_foreign_flower_no_more_Tongan_diasporic_media_and_the_2014_Tongan_election 15 January 2026 Ratuva Steven Tonga The Contemporary Pacific 2017 29 1 181–188 10.1353/cp.2017.0014 University of Hawaʻii Press 1527-9464 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 Tonga Category:Elections in Tonga General Tonga