Results for Pacific Islands

Two fire trucks donated by the Government of Australia were presented to Tonga Fire & Emergency Services (TFES) on 18 November.

A poor turnout saw less than 50% of registered voters casting ballots today in Tonga's General Election. They have returned ten out of 17 incumbents, and elected six newcomers, including one woman, to enter parliament, with one former representative regaining a seat. The Prime Minister Hon. Dr 'Aisake Valu 'Eke retained his Tongatapu 5 seat with 72.93% of votes in his constituency – the highest polling candidate.

Seven incumbent nobles were returned, joined by two new MPs, in the nine Noble's Representatives seats in the Tonga Legislative Assembly for a four year term.

The Electoral Commission in Tonga shared the allocated locations for polling booths today, ahead of the general election on Thursday, 20 November. There are also special polling places in each island group for constituents who are regisered on other islands.

A special shipment carrying 50,000 litres of petroleum - enough for one day’s supply on Tongatapu - is expected to arrive in Nuku’alofa on Wednesday - a day ahead of Thursday’s General Election - and bring relief to a severe shortage of petrol that has fettered the capital for the last week. The Prime Minister Hon. Dr 'Aisake Eke said Tonga's two main suppliers, TotalEnergies and Pacific Energy, were collaborating on distribution efforts to ease queues at service stations.

A new water supply system for the Hangai Tokelau settlement in Tokomololo was handed overrun 14 November, by the Acting Ambassador of Japan to Tonga, H.E. Mr. Daishouji Toshiyuki.

Tonga’s economy expanded by 2.7 percent in FY2025, supported by robust reconstruction activity, strong remittance inflows, a rebound in tourism, and stronger-than-expected grants inflows, the International Monetary Fund reported on 10 November, after concluding its Article IV consultation with Tonga. “The outlook is favourable but subject to significant risks.”

A petroleum shortage in Tongatapu yesterday, caused a rush on bowsers many of which are now awaiting resupply, expected at the end of the month. It was the fourth rush on bowsers in the last two months.

In Tonga, six to seven cervical cancer deaths are recorded annually, caused by the Human papillomavirus infection (HPV). Awareness and early vaccination can protect girls but, at the moment, only 62% of Tonga's eligible girls are vaccinated.