In a significant political development for Tonga, Fane Fangufangu Fituafe has been elected as the only woman MP for the second consecutive election, representing the Tongatapu 6 constituency while all other constituencies elected male representatives. Fituafe secured her seat with 978 votes, defeating incumbent MP Dulcie Tei, who received 835 votes.
In a recent interview with PMN, Fituafe articulated her commitment to prioritizing education and providing better opportunities for the youth. She emphasized the need for improved pathways for young people to steer clear of challenges such as drug use and unemployment. Drawing from her own upbringing in a farming family, Fituafe is also focused on enhancing Tonga’s agriculture exports, aiming to create more avenues for local produce to reach international markets.
Fituafe is dedicated to supporting women’s roles in society, underscoring the necessity for increased spaces and opportunities for Tongan women, which she believes will significantly guide her legislative efforts. The Tongatapu 6 seat is emerging as a political landmark for female representation; it previously elected the only woman in the national by-election in 2022 following the invalidation of a former MP’s victory due to bribery allegations.
The recent elections featured 10 incumbent MPs returning to their positions, alongside seven newly elected members from various constituencies, including Tongatapu 2, 6, 8, Ha’apai 12, 13, Vava’u 15, and Niua 17. Notably, Semisi Sika reclaimed the Tongatapu 2 seat, and Dr ‘Alani Tangitau achieved a remarkable victory in Vava’u 15, defeating long-serving MP Samiu Vaipulu by nearly 400 votes. Caretaker Prime Minister Dr ‘Aisake Eke garnered the highest number of votes nationwide with 1,568 in Tongatapu 5.
Despite the promising electoral landscape, concern was raised by Electoral Commissioner Pita Vuki regarding low voter turnout, particularly in Tongatapu 8, where only 28.36 percent of registered voters participated. As the election results are confirmed, the focus now shifts to the formation of the new government and the selection of Tonga’s next Prime Minister. The process will follow constitutional guidelines, requiring the interim Speaker to invite MPs to submit nominations within ten days, followed by a secret ballot vote to determine the Prime Minister.
This election marks a hopeful step towards greater women’s representation in Tongan politics, setting a precedent that could inspire future generations and drive significant change in the governance of the nation.