The By-election to decide the seat for Vava’u 16 in the Tonga Legislative Assembly will be held tomorrow Thursday, 14 July contested by four candidates, including one woman.

The candidates are:

1. ‘Akosita Lavulavu
2. Viliami Uasike Latu
3. ‘Atalasa Pouvalu
4. ‘Ipeni Siale

The Electoral Commission in Nuku’alofa confirmed there are 2700 plus registered voters in the consitutuency.

Polling stations will open from 9:00am-4:00pm with the results to be announced soon after the votes are tallied.

There are 12 polling stations in Vava’u situated in Feletoa, Ha’akio, Ha’alaufuli, Holeva, Houma, Holonga, Koloa, Leimatu’a, Mangia, Mataika, Ta’anea and Tu’anekivale. In addition, there will be one polling station each in Tongatapu, Ha’apai, ‘Eua, Niuatoputapu and Niuafo’ou.

The by-election is to replace ‘Etuate Lavulavu who lost his Vava'u 16 seat after the Supreme Court found him guilty of bribery and overspending during his election campaign in 2014. One of the candidates contesting in this by-election is his wife ‘Akosita. While, Viliami Latu lost his seat in the 2014 General Election.