Photos by Linny Folau

Polling started slowly this morning in a by-election to elect a new Ha'apai People'’s Representative to the Tongan Parliament.

The slow turn out of voters at Pangai Si'i, the only polling station for Ha'apai voters in Tongatapu, was attributed to the start of the funeral in Nuku'alofa for Prince Tu'ipelehake and Princess Kaimana whose remains arrived from the USA this morning.

By mid-day, Pita Vuki, The Supervisor of the Election said said that over 100 voters had cast their votes at Pangai Si...’i, and he anticipated that more voters would turn up later in the afternoon before the polling station closed at 4 pm.

Pita said that all polling stations in Tongatapu, Vava'’u, Ha'apai, '‘Eua and the two Niuas would close at 4pm, they will then report their results to Pangai Si'’i the main polling station. He said that the final count should be completed by 8 pm this evening, when the results will be announced.

This Ha'apai By Election is to elect a replacement of Hon. Fineasi Funaki the No. 2 Ha'apai People's Representative who vacated his people's seat when he was appointed as a Minister of Tourism recently.

A total eight candidates are contesting in this by-election.