Tonga's Electoral Commission has registered Sione Keuate Tupouniua as a candidate for Tongatapu No.1 parliamentary constituency under an order issued by the Supreme Court on 10 November.

The Commissioner and Supervisor of Elections Pita Vuki said today Tupouniua's candidacy was registered yesterday Wednesday 12 November for the General Election to be held two-weeks from now on 27 November.

His admission to the electoral roll brings the total number of candidates to 107 to contest the 17 People's Representatives seats to parliament.

Hon Mr Justice Cato ordered the Election Supervisor, the Chairman Barrie Sweetman and the Electoral Commission to register Tupouniua, whose application as a candidate had been rejected when he turned up late after nominations closed at 3pm on Friday, October 24.

"It was plain prior to the closing time of 3pm the Commission and Supervisor were aware that he intended to nominate and was awaiting the clearance from the Supreme Court, and that he had cleared his judgment debt with the court. Rejecting his candidature under these circumstances was wrong," the judge stated.