Empowering Every Voter: Inclusion for Youth, Women & Persons with Disabilities
The Tonga Electoral Commission is committed to ensuring that every eligible citizen can participate fully and equally in the democratic process. We are actively working to break down barriers and create an electoral environment that is accessible, welcoming, and empowering for all, including youth, women, and persons with disabilities.
A Landmark Initiative for Voters with Disabilities
In a significant step towards inclusive democracy, the TEC officially launched the Tonga Electoral Commission Elections Disability Access Working Group (TEC EDAWG) in March 2025. This collaborative body, formed in partnership with the Pacific Community (SPC) and Tongan Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), is dedicated to identifying and removing barriers to electoral participation.
Our Vision for EDAWG: A democratic society in Tonga where elections are inclusive, accessible, non-discriminatory, and enable the full and equitable participation of all persons with disabilities.
Key Focus Areas of the TEC EDAWG (2025-2028):
- Enhanced Accessibility:We are committed to making polling stations more accessible. This includes conducting accessibility audits, providing assistive devices, ensuring disability-friendly parking, and exploring measures like portable ramps.
- Reasonable Accommodations:Voters with disabilities can be accompanied by a person of their choice for assistance. We are also working on procedures to assist voters who face mobility challenges in accessing the polling station.
- Capacity Building:Mandatory sensitisation training is being integrated for all polling officials and Returning Officers to ensure respectful interaction and effective support for voters with disabilities.
- Accessible Information:We are developing voter education materials in various accessible formats, including the use of sign language interpreters and exploration of Braille and audio resources for future elections.
- Streamlined Voter Registration:We are reviewing the registration process to make it easier for persons with disabilities to enroll.
Engaging and Empowering Tonga’s Youth
The TEC recognizes young people as the future leaders of our nation. We are dedicated to ensuring they are informed, engaged, and ready to shape Tonga’s democracy.
- Youth-Centric Outreach:Our national voter registration drives specifically target newly eligible young voters. We collaborate with educational institutions and community groups to bring our services to them.
- Partnerships for Dialogue:The TEC supports platforms like the “Ke Tau Talanoa” youth panel, which amplifies the voices of young leaders and encourages civic participation through open dialogue.
- Digital and Media Engagement:We use radio, social media, and television—channels popular with youth—to disseminate clear and relevant electoral information.
Supporting the Participation of Women
The TEC actively supports the full participation of women in Tonga’s electoral process, both as voters and as candidates.
- Inclusive Voter Education:Our outreach missions ensure that voter education reaches women in all communities, addressing their specific questions and concerns.
- Safe and Accessible Polling:We strive to create a safe and welcoming environment for all voters, including women, at every polling station.
- Collaboration with Women’s Groups:We work with civil society organizations to promote women’s civic engagement and leadership.
Your Voice Matters. Your Vote Counts.
The TEC believes that a stronger democracy is built when everyone has a seat at the table. We will continue to work with our partners in communities, government, and civil society to build an electoral system that truly leaves no one behind.
For more information on our inclusion initiatives, or to provide feedback, please contact the Tonga Electoral Commission.
Together, we are building a more inclusive democracy for all of Tonga.