Tonga's Nov. 18 General Election not delayed [1]
Wednesday, November 3, 2021 - 19:52. Updated on Thursday, November 4, 2021 - 09:58.
By Linny Folau
At this stage there is no delay to Tonga’s General Election scheduled for November 18, Electoral Commissioner, Pita Vuki, told Matangi Tonga today.
This is despite the week-long lockdown on Tongatapu restricting candidates from campaigning, which means candidates will have around one week for campaigning after the lockdown ends just before midnight on Monday, November 8.
The lockdown in Tongatapu is due to the country's first COVID-19 positive case, who arrived on a repatriation flight from Christchurch, on October 27.
However, Vuki said the Electoral Act does allow for the election to be delayed in the event of a “natural disaster, bad weather conditions or any other case”.
The Electoral Act [2] 10A, states:
“Where the polling at any polling station cannot start or has been suspended whether by reason of natural disaster, bad weather conditions or any other case, the Supervisor may adjourn the taking of the poll at that polling station to the following day, and if necessary from day to day until the poll can be taken, and shall, if he adjourns the taking of the poll forthwith give public notice of the adjournment in such manner as he thinks fit”.
Meanwhile, all campaigning is required to stop 24-hours before the start of the poll.
A total of 75 candidates have registered for this General Election, including 16 incumbent members.
The Legislative Assembly is made up of 26 members, with 17 seats for People’s Representatives and nine seats for Nobles’ Representatives.