Tonga’s youth-led initiative, Take The Lead (TTL), has unveiled a new digital edition of the Tonga Youth Vote Handbook, designed to empower first-time voters through comprehensive outreach efforts across the islands. Originally introduced in 2020 with backing from the Electoral Commission, this handbook represents the first dedicated resource aimed at educating young voters about the electoral process in Tonga. Lord Fakafanua praised the initiative during its initial launch, emphasizing its vital role in aiding the youth’s understanding of voting and participation in democracy.
With Tonga’s general elections scheduled for November 20, 2025, the updated handbook has been digitized to align with the preferences of the modern youth demographic. Elizabeth V. Kite, founder of TTL, highlighted the evolution of the handbook, stating, “Being the first of its kind in Tonga, we learned a lot from our 2020 project. We’ve updated it to reach them where they spend most of their time—online.”
The handbook equips young voters with crucial information on the electoral process, including how to register, vote, and remain engaged with political issues beyond Election Day. TTL is committed to distributing the handbook through extensive outreach efforts, covering both Tongatapu and the outer islands. The initiative also invites young Tongans to regularly visit the dedicated website and follow TTL’s social media accounts for ongoing updates and engagement opportunities.
The timing of this handbook’s launch is particularly significant as young voters grapple with pressing issues such as climate change, deep-sea mining, employment challenges, and substance-related concerns. This initiative highlights the importance of civic education among young individuals, which aligns with broader regional movements aimed at increasing voter participation. For instance, similar undertakings in Fiji have underscored the need for improved voter registration efforts, especially in rural areas.
By focusing on empowering young voters through accessible information and active engagement, this initiative fosters a hopeful outlook for the upcoming elections in Tonga. With the right resources and support, the youth can significantly influence their democratic environment, reinforcing a commitment to inclusivity and active citizenship—a priority that is increasingly being recognized throughout the Pacific region.