Thirty representatives will take part in Tonga's first “Practice Parliament for Women” on April 10-11 in Nuku'alofa, a two-day event that aims to encourage women to run for parliament in the upcoming 2014 General Election in November.

Lord Fakafanua the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly last week announced the names of 28 candidates picked from a pool of applicants. They include nine “noble's representatives”, 17 “people's representatives” and two representatives elected by the Prime Minister from outside.

In addition, there are two reserved seats for youths and disability groups who did not go through the application process.

Two former women members of parliament Papiloa Foliaki and Lepolo Taunisila will join the group.

The two-day event is to encourage women's active participation in politics. With the upcoming General Election in November this year, “the practice parliament is to inspire and increase women's confidence to run as candidates and become future leaders and key decision makers,” according to the Parliament's office.

The representatives will undergo a three-day orientation program starting on April 7 to include training in parliament works and protocol, legislative matters, good campaigning and how to deal with the media. 

Tonga's Electoral Commission will also brief the women on what candidates are eligible to do among other issues.

Nobles Representatives “Practice Parliament for Women”

Tongatapu
No.1 ‘Ana Bing Fonua
No.2 ‘Ana ‘Ake
No.3 Monalisa Palu

'Eua
No.1 'Otolose Moa

Ha’apai
No.1 Seketi Fuko
No.2 Langilangi Vimahi

Vava’u
No.1 Loisi Halaliku
No.2 Marina Moa

Niua
No.1 Lady ‘Eseta Fusitu’a

Tongatapu People’s Representatives “Practice Parliament for Women”
No.1 ‘Ilisapesi Peika
No.2 Lepolo Taunisila
No.3 Gabriella ‘Ilolahia
No.4 Linda Ma’u
No.5 Vaopuni Langi
No.6 ‘Akanete Tupou
No.7 Sipola Halafihi
No.8 Baleisuva Huni
No.9 Lemasingo Nai
No.10 ‘Aloma Johansson

‘Eua People’s Representatives
No. 11 Melenaite Fili

Ha’apai People’s Representatives “Practice Parliament for Women”
No.12 ‘Ana Vaikona
No.13 Meliame Koloi

Vava’u People’s Representatives “Practice Parliament for Women”
No.14 Valamotu Taufa
No.15 Yvette Guttenbeil-Paea
No.16 Lucy Fa’anunu

Niua People’s Representatives“Practice Parliament for Women”
No.17 ‘Alameitili Ika

PM Elected reps “Practice Parliament for Women”
No.1 ‘Emeline Veikoso
No.2 Papiloa Foliaki

Reserved seats “Practice Parliament for Women”
Youths, Adi Talaivini Mafi
Disability, Siunipa ‘Isitolo