The Nobles' Election to elect its nine representatives to the Tonga Legislative Assembly will be held on the morning of November 27, the same day as the General Election to elect the 17 People's Representatives.

There are 33 hereditary nobility titles in Tonga, and four of those titles remain vacant, namely Ma’atu, ‘Ahome’e, Fohe and Fielakepa.

The Acting Attorney General and Director of Public Prosecutions 'Aminiasi Kefu said today that Lord Lasike will stand, as he was reinstated with his title after a criminal conviction against him was overturned by the Court of Appeal in 2012.

He said the title Lord Fielakepa was currently with a trustee and not a title holder, after the late Fielakepa passed away last year.

Life Peers

In addition, six persons who were appointed by the late King as Life Peers, possessing the same rights and benefits of a noble, can also vote for an electoral district they declare, but they cannot stand as nobles candidates themselves.

The Commissioner and Supervisor of Elections Pita Vuki said they included the three Law Lords: Lord Dalgety and Lord Tupou for Tongatapu and Lord Tufui for Ha'apai. One of the Law Lords, Lord Madraiwiwi lives in Fiji.

One other Life Peers Lord Sevele would vote for Tongatapu. Lord Matoto and Lord Tangi had yet to declare their electorates.

The nine Nobles’ Representatives include three representatives for Tongatapu, two for Vava’u, two for Ha’apai, one for ‘Eua and one for the two Niuas (Niuatoputapu and Niuafo’ou).

Noble titles:

Tongatapu and ‘Eua

1. ‘Ahome’e
2. Ata
3. Fielakepa
4. Fohe
5. Kalaniuvalu
6. Lasike
7. Lavaka
8. Ma’afu
9. Nuku
10. Tu’ivakano
11. Tungi
12. Vaea
13. Vaha’i
14. Ve‘ehala

Vava’u

1. Fakatulolo
2. Fulivai
3. Luani
4. Tuita
5. Tu’i’afitu
6. Tu’ilakepa
7. ‘Ulukalala
8. Veikune

Ha’apai

1. Fakafanua
2. Malupo
3. Niukapu
4. Tupouto’a
5. Tu’iha’angana
6. Tu’iha’ateiho
7. Tu’ipelehake

Niuatoputapu and Niuafo’ou

1. Fotofili
2. Fusitu’a
3. Ma’atu
4. Tangipa