Tanya, youngest candidate for Tonga’s General Election [1]
Tuesday, September 30, 2014 - 23:04. Updated on Wednesday, October 1, 2014 - 12:15.
Lemasingo Tanya Nai (26) is the youngest candidate to confirm that she will be contesting the parliamentary seat for Tongatapu Constituency No. 9 in Tonga’s November 27 General Election.
Tanya can't wait to put her name on the list when Registration for the election takes place on 23-24 October.
Tanya who comes from Fua‘amotu in eastern Tongatapu is currently assisting Mona Lisa Palu at Langafonua. She said that she was attracted to politics and wanted to become a member of parliament after participating in Tonga’s first ever Practice Parliament for Women in April this year, as the People's Representative for Tongatapu 9.
She said the invaluable knowledge, experience and courage she gained from the Practice Parliament, and the encouragement from others for her to run for election, helped her to make the decision. She started her campaign three weeks ago in Fua‘amotu.
"My theme is ‘You and me Number 9 we can do it.’ One person asked me why not put me first since I am the one running, I told him it's not about me, it's about you - meaning the people in my constituency, and with their support we can do it together," explained Tanya.
She said that she is committed to help the poor and needy people in her constituency.
"For example, I have seen children in my village as young as 14 going to the plantation with their parents. I know it's not because they got kicked out from schools, but because they do not have the money to pay for school fees. Yes, of course, there are scholarships that can help them but then that requires one to have high grades. I know this issue has been talked about over and over again but nothing is happening and I want change, and I want to do something about it," she said.
"I want to do good for my community, and at this stage after speaking at various public forums in my village and getting positive responses considering my age...so it's not if I get into parliament - it’s when I get in, and with the help of my constituency I can," she said confidently.
Women
Tanya was driven to apply for the Practice Parliament for Women after hearing public comments on the radio that parliament was only for men.
She strongly disagreed and spoke out so loudly against it that her mother encouraged her to go and apply..
"I just wanted to support women and didn't expect to get in but they picked me and I was so surprised. During the two-day session, which was broadcasted live on radio, I learnt a lot and picked up the issues fast. It was just an invaluable experience," she said.
The Speaker of the House Lord Fakafanua awarded Tanya with a prize, (a toaster) for being the most outstanding member in the practice parliament.
“For me it was very important as I went in there with the least experience and I think I was one of the two youngest members. To get this recognition, a little girl from the bush in Fua‘amotu was huge for me, and he [the Speaker] even said that I should go for parliament."
Tanya said one man questioned her ability because of her age, had asked her what makes her think she could do what others older and more experienced than herself have done.
"I told him I have two hands and a heart just like them and if am given the chance I can do better because I am young and very energetic. And if he gave me his vote I can prove him wrong."
She said she also wanted to lead a good example for the young generation that if she could do it, so could they.
Tanya was born in Tonga, then migrated to New Zealand when she was five years old, but returned to Tonga at nine. She studied at ‘Atenisi High School and later graduated with a Diploma in Associate Arts from 'Atenisi University.
She went to the United States to pursue further studies before returning to Tonga in 2010. She is a member of the LDS church and has been helping her parents at home before starting on her current job in May this year.
In the 2010 parliamentary election, there were 11 women out of 114 candidates who ran for election.
Tanya is one of many women who will be running for election this year, but their names will be confirmed following registration on October 23-24.