# 2017 Tongan general election

General elections were held in Tonga on 16 November 2017 to elect 17 of the 26 seats to the Legislative Assembly. King Tupou VI dissolved the Assembly on 25 August 2017 on the advice of its Speaker, Sialeʻataongo Tuʻivakanō, who claimed that Prime Minister ʻAkilisi Pohiva was attempting to claim powers held by the King and Privy Council within Cabinet.
Nominations closed on 27 September, with 86 candidates contesting the 17 people's seats. The election resulted in a victory for the DPFI, with ʻAkilisi Pōhiva remaining as Prime Minister.

## 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 Niuatoputapu/Niuafoʻou one each. 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.

## Results

The Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands won 14 seats, enough to allow them to form a government without needing the support of nobles or independents.
| | Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands | 17,610 | 44.53 | 14 | +5 |
| | Langafonua 'a e Masiva | 3,261 | 8.25 | 0 | New |
| | Independents | 18,674 | 47.22 | 3 | –5 |
| Nobles' representatives | Nobles' representatives | | | 9 | 0 |
| Total | Total | 39,545 | 100.00 | 26 | 0 |
| Valid votes | Valid votes | 39,545 | 99.83 | | |
| Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | 68 | 0.17 | | |
| Total votes | Total votes | 39,613 | 100.00 | | |
| Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | 59,003 | 67.14 | | |
| Source: Tonga Elections, IFES, Matangi Tonga Asia Pacific Report ||||||

### By constituency

Tongatapu 1 :
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | Votes | % |
| | ʻAkilisi Pōhiva | Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands | 1,379 | 50.57 |
| | Netatua Pelesikoti | Independent | 352 | 12.91 |
| | Sione Tukia | Independent | 279 | 10.23 |
| | Ofo-Mei-Vaha Tupou Niumeitolu | Independent | 196 | 7.19 |
| | Mosese Teukiveiuto Manuofetoa | Independent | 128 | 4.69 |
| | Siotame Drew Havea | Independent | 109 | 4.00 |
| | Siale ʻAtaongo Puloka | Independent | 80 | 2.93 |
| | ʻAna Kanume Bing Fonua | Independent | 79 | 2.90 |
| | Sione Keuate Tupouniua | Independent | 62 | 2.27 |
| | Barry Smith Taukolo | Independent | 49 | 1.80 |
| | ʻEliesa Fifita | Independent | 14 | 0.51 |
| Total | Total | Total | 2,727 | 100.00 |
| Valid votes | Valid votes | Valid votes | 2,727 | 99.74 |
| Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | 7 | 0.26 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 2,734 | 100.00 |
| Source: Tonga Elections |||||
Tongatapu 2 :
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | Votes | % |
| | Semisi Sika | Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands | 1,111 | 52.09 |
| | Sione Tuʻitavake Fonua | Langafonua 'a e Masiva | 465 | 21.80 |
| | Soane Patita Vakautafefine Fifita | Independent | 277 | 12.99 |
| | ʻEma Rererangi Fonua Stephenson | Independent | 260 | 12.19 |
| | Fisiʻipeau Faiva | Independent | 20 | 0.94 |
| Total | Total | Total | 2,133 | 100.00 |
| Valid votes | Valid votes | Valid votes | 2,133 | 99.86 |
| Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | 3 | 0.14 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 2,136 | 100.00 |
| Source: Tonga Elections |||||
Tongatapu 3 :
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | Votes | % |
| | Siaosi Sovaleni | Independent | 1,421 | 44.34 |
| | Tevita Palu | Independent | 932 | 29.08 |
| | Katalina Tohi | Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands | 607 | 18.94 |
| | Mele Teusivi ʻAmanaki | Independent | 159 | 4.96 |
| | Sitiveni Halapua | Independent | 83 | 2.59 |
| | Tonga Soane | Independent | 3 | 0.09 |
| Total | Total | Total | 3,205 | 100.00 |
| Valid votes | Valid votes | Valid votes | 3,205 | 99.84 |
| Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | 5 | 0.16 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 3,210 | 100.00 |
| Source: Tonga Elections |||||
Tongatapu 4 :
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | Votes | % |
| | Mateni Tapueluelu | Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands | 1,469 | 60.80 |
| | Seketi Foʻou Fuko | Independent | 388 | 16.06 |
| | ʻIsileli Pulu | Langafonua 'a e Masiva | 216 | 8.94 |
| | Tevita Mateitalo Makameimoana Motulalo | Independent | 138 | 5.71 |
| | Poli Tuaileva | Independent | 136 | 5.63 |
| | Litia Simpson | Independent | 69 | 2.86 |
| Total | Total | Total | 2,416 | 100.00 |
| Valid votes | Valid votes | Valid votes | 2,416 | 99.75 |
| Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | 6 | 0.25 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 2,422 | 100.00 |
| Source: Tonga Elections |||||
Tongatapu 5 :
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | Votes | % |
| | Losaline Maʻasi | Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands | 1,034 | 35.40 |
| | ʻAisake Eke | Langafonua 'a e Masiva | 953 | 32.63 |
| | ʻAna Hauʻalofaʻia Koloto | Independent | 527 | 18.04 |
| | Feʻofaʻaki Taufonua Latu | Independent | 311 | 10.65 |
| | Viliami Kini Mangisi | Independent | 96 | 3.29 |
| Total | Total | Total | 2,921 | 100.00 |
| Valid votes | Valid votes | Valid votes | 2,921 | 99.80 |
| Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | 6 | 0.20 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 2,927 | 100.00 |
| Source: Tonga Elections |||||
Tongatapu 6 :
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | Votes | % |
| | Poasi Tei | Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands | 1,425 | 48.77 |
| | Soane Taiofonongahina ʻAhio | Independent | 672 | 23.00 |
| | Siosifa Tuʻitupou Tuʻutafaiva | Langafonua 'a e Masiva | 425 | 14.54 |
| | Sione Tatafu Angakehe Tafuna | Independent | 325 | 11.12 |
| | Fisiʻitotoa ʻAhohiva Kaufusi | Independent | 75 | 2.57 |
| Total | Total | Total | 2,922 | 100.00 |
| Valid votes | Valid votes | Valid votes | 2,922 | 99.83 |
| Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | 5 | 0.17 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 2,927 | 100.00 |
| Source: Tonga Elections |||||
Tongatapu 7 :
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | Votes | % |
| | Sione Vuna Faʻotusia | Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands | 1,273 | 48.74 |
| | Sione Sangster Saulala | Langafonua 'a e Masiva | 726 | 27.79 |
| | Mavaetangi Manavahetau | Independent | 217 | 8.31 |
| | Sione Hufanga | Independent | 191 | 7.31 |
| | ʻOlikoni Tanaki | Independent | 133 | 5.09 |
| | Talanoa Fuka Kitekeiʻaho | Independent | 63 | 2.41 |
| | Tevita Silatolu | Independent | 9 | 0.34 |
| Total | Total | Total | 2,612 | 100.00 |
| Valid votes | Valid votes | Valid votes | 2,612 | 99.85 |
| Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | 4 | 0.15 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 2,616 | 100.00 |
| Source: Tonga Elections |||||
Tongatapu 8 :
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | Votes | % |
| | Semisi Fakahau | Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands | 1,182 | 46.90 |
| | Viliami Sisifa | Independent | 596 | 23.65 |
| | Penisimani Teisina | Independent | 484 | 19.21 |
| | Mosaʻati Vaipulu | Independent | 187 | 7.42 |
| | Viliami Kilisimasi Taufa | Independent | 71 | 2.82 |
| Total | Total | Total | 2,520 | 100.00 |
| Valid votes | Valid votes | Valid votes | 2,520 | 99.76 |
| Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | 6 | 0.24 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 2,526 | 100.00 |
| Source: Tonga Elections |||||
Tongatapu 9 :
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | Votes | % |
| | Penisimani Fifita | Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands | 1,302 | 49.75 |
| | Siamelie Latu | Independent | 537 | 20.52 |
| | Vika Vaka Fusimalohi | Independent | 488 | 18.65 |
| | Timote Tuʻiono Oliveti Laume | Independent | 290 | 11.08 |
| Total | Total | Total | 2,617 | 100.00 |
| Valid votes | Valid votes | Valid votes | 2,617 | 99.96 |
| Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | 1 | 0.04 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 2,618 | 100.00 |
| Source: Tonga Elections |||||
Tongatapu 10 :
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | Votes | % |
| | Pōhiva Tuʻiʻonetoa | Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands | 1,631 | 58.17 |
| | Soane Kautai | Independent | 593 | 21.15 |
| | Loupua Kuli | Independent | 406 | 14.48 |
| | Daniel Kimball Fale | Independent | 174 | 6.21 |
| Total | Total | Total | 2,804 | 100.00 |
| Valid votes | Valid votes | Valid votes | 2,804 | 99.86 |
| Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | 4 | 0.14 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 2,808 | 100.00 |
| Source: Tonga Elections |||||
ʻEua 11 :
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | Votes | % |
| | Tevita Lavemaau | Independent | 789 | 37.46 |
| | Taniela Fusimalohi | Independent | 519 | 24.64 |
| | Sunia Fili | Langafonua 'a e Masiva | 476 | 22.60 |
| | Sunia Kauvaka Havea | Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands | 310 | 14.72 |
| | Hale Telepo | Independent | 6 | 0.28 |
| | Silivia Loumaile Mahe | Independent | 6 | 0.28 |
| Total | Total | Total | 2,106 | 100.00 |
| Valid votes | Valid votes | Valid votes | 2,106 | 99.91 |
| Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | 2 | 0.09 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 2,108 | 100.00 |
| Source: Tonga Elections |||||
Haʻapai 12 :
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | Votes | % |
| | Moʻale Finau | Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands | 635 | 39.84 |
| | Viliami Hingano | Independent | 588 | 36.89 |
| | Finau Pulotu Uata | Independent | 371 | 23.27 |
| Total | Total | Total | 1,594 | 100.00 |
| Valid votes | Valid votes | Valid votes | 1,594 | 99.75 |
| Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | 4 | 0.25 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 1,598 | 100.00 |
| Source: Tonga Elections |||||
Haʻapai 13 :
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | Votes | % |
| | Veivosa Taka | Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands | 905 | 56.88 |
| | ʻEsafe Hema Latu | Independent | 589 | 37.02 |
| | ʻElikisoni Langi | Independent | 97 | 6.10 |
| Total | Total | Total | 1,591 | 100.00 |
| Valid votes | Valid votes | Valid votes | 1,591 | 99.81 |
| Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | 3 | 0.19 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 1,594 | 100.00 |
| Source: Tonga Elections |||||
Vavaʻu 14 :
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | Votes | % |
| | Saia Piukala | Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands | 1,366 | 61.28 |
| | Latu Niua Lepolo | Independent | 495 | 22.21 |
| | Matini Fatanitavake Maʻafu-ʻo-Veikune T. Veikune | Independent | 368 | 16.51 |
| Total | Total | Total | 2,229 | 100.00 |
| Valid votes | Valid votes | Valid votes | 2,229 | 99.91 |
| Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | 2 | 0.09 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 2,231 | 100.00 |
| Source: Tonga Elections |||||
Vavaʻu 15 :
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | Votes | % |
| | Samiu Vaipulu | Independent | 684 | 32.33 |
| | Tomifa Faingaʻa Paea | Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands | 608 | 28.73 |
| | Kulufeinga ʻAnisi Bloomfield | Independent | 494 | 23.35 |
| | Keuli Pasina Lavaki | Independent | 184 | 8.70 |
| | Sinali Feʻiloaki Hansen | Independent | 83 | 3.92 |
| | Tongovua Fifita | Independent | 63 | 2.98 |
| Total | Total | Total | 2,116 | 100.00 |
| Valid votes | Valid votes | Valid votes | 2,116 | 99.76 |
| Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | 5 | 0.24 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 2,121 | 100.00 |
| Source: Tonga Elections |||||
Vavaʻu 16 :
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | Votes | % |
| | ʻAkosita Lavulavu | Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands | 935 | 42.99 |
| | Viliami Latu | Independent | 748 | 34.39 |
| | ʻAtalasa Misilemoti Pouvalu | Independent | 296 | 13.61 |
| | Viliami Lolohea | Independent | 174 | 8.00 |
| | ʻAisea Silivenusi | Independent | 22 | 1.01 |
| Total | Total | Total | 2,175 | 100.00 |
| Valid votes | Valid votes | Valid votes | 2,175 | 99.77 |
| Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | 5 | 0.23 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 2,180 | 100.00 |
| Source: Tonga Elections |||||
Ongo Niua 17 :
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | Votes | % |
| | Vatau Hui | Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands | 438 | 51.11 |
| | Sosefo Feʻaomoeata Vakata | Independent | 419 | 48.89 |
| Total | Total | Total | 857 | 100.00 |
| Valid votes | Valid votes | Valid votes | 857 | 100.00 |
| Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | 0 | 0.00 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 857 | 100.00 |
| Source: Tonga Elections |||||

### Nobles

| Constituency | Elected candidate | Votes |
| ‘Eua | Lord Nuku | 10 |
| Ha‘apai | Lord Tuʻihaʻangana | 5 |
| Ha‘apai | Fatafehi Fakafanua | 3 |
| Niuatoputapu and Niuafo'ou | Mataʻiʻulua ʻi Fonuamotu | 3 |
| Tongatapu | Sialeʻataongo Tuʻivakanō | 12 |
| Tongatapu | Maʻafu Tukuiʻaulahi | 11 |
| Tongatapu | Lord Vaha‘i | 7 |
| Vava‘u | Malakai Fakatoufifita | 6 |
| Vava‘u | Tonga Tuʻiʻafitu | 5 |
| Source: Radio New Zealand |||