This section provides all the essential information for voters, candidates, and the public about the electoral process in the Kingdom of Tonga.

Voter Registration

Who Must Register?

  • By law, every Tongan subject who is 21 years of age or older is required to register to vote.
  • Failure to register is an offence, though the TEC prioritizes encouragement and education over enforcement.

How to Register & Update Your Details

  • National Outreach Missions: The TEC conducts regular registration drives across all islands, including Tongatapu, ‘Eua, Ha‘apai, Vava‘u, and the outer islands (Niuatoputapu and Niuafo‘ou). Look for public announcements for visits to your community.
  • Ongoing Process: Voter registration is continuous. It is your responsibility to ensure your details are current, especially if you move or to remove a deceased elector.
  • Collaboration: The TEC works with the Registrar of Births, Deaths, and Marriages and the National ID Card Office to maintain an accurate roll.

Types of Elections

The TEC is responsible for conducting:

  • Parliamentary General Elections: Held every four years (next due in Q4 2025).
  • Parliamentary By-Elections: Held when a seat in the Legislative Assembly becomes vacant between general elections.
  • Local Elections: For District and Town Officers.

The Voting Process

Before Election Day:

  • Check the Roll: Provisional electoral rolls are published before an election for public verification. Ensure your name and details are correct.
  • Voter Education: The TEC runs education programs via TV (Television Tonga), radio (Radio 1017AM, 87.5FM & 91.5FM), and community visits to inform voters of their rights.

On Election Day:

  • Where to Vote: You must vote at the polling station designated for your electoral constituency.
  • The Ballot: Vote in secret. Polling officials are present to assist and ensure a peaceful, orderly, and impartial process.

By-Election Results & Data

The TEC ensures transparency by publishing election results. Recent by-elections include:

  • Vava’u 14 Parliamentary By-Election (28 March 2024): Winner – Mo’ale ‘Otunuku (709 votes, 41.95% | Turnout: 51%).
  • Town Officer By-Elections were held in 2024 in Mu’a (Niuafo’ou), Houma (‘Eua), Haveluliku (Tongatapu), and Falehau (Niuatoputapu).
  • District Officer By-Election was held in ‘Eua Fo’ou.

For Candidates

How to Become a Candidate:

  • Information on nomination procedures for Parliamentary and Local Officer elections will be announced ahead of an election.
  • Candidates must comply with the eligibility requirements outlined in the Constitution and relevant electoral laws.

Electoral Laws & Reform

All TEC activities are guided by Tonga’s legal framework, including:

  • The Constitution
  • The Electoral Act
  • The Electoral Commission Act

Electoral Law Reform:

  • The TEC has submitted proposals to the Government to amend electoral laws.
  • Public consultations on these reforms were conducted in 2024 across multiple constituencies. The TEC is awaiting a decision from the Legislative Assembly.

For Polling Officials

  • The TEC recruits officials to manage polling stations.
  • Information on how to select and the training provided will be announced prior to major elections.

Accessibility & Inclusion

  • The TEC is committed to inclusive elections and collaborates with Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (e.g., through the SPC Election Disability Access Working Group) to ensure all eligible voters can participate.