Tofilau remains a Member of Parliament and Minister without Portfolio. Although candidates are free to propose themselves for electoral office, in practice they require the blessing of the village high chiefs. Those who ran in the 1996 elections in spite of fono objections faced ostracism and even banishment from their village. Following the elections, there were multiple charges of fraud and bribery. Four elections were subsequently overturned by the Supreme Court, and by-elections were held.
Women occasionally reach high public office.
The 12-member Cabinet has 1 female member, and women hold 3 of the 49 seats in Parliament. The first female judge was named in 1994, and the first female Attorney General was appointed in 1997. Section 4 Governmental Attitude Regarding International and Nongovernmental Investigation of Alleged Violations of Human Rights A number of human rights groups operated without government restriction. Government officials are usually cooperative. The Constitution prohibits discrimination based on race, sex, religion, disability, language, or social status.