By Linny Folau

Tonga's nobles have elected three new representatives, and returned six incumbents to the Legislative Assembly this afternoon.

The results were announced at the Palace Office in Nuku'alofa by the Supervisor of Elections, Pita Vuki, this afternoon.

Lord Vaea was elected as the Nobles Tongatapu no. 1 and Lord Fohe as Tongatapu no. 3. They replace Lord Ma'afu and Lord Vaha'i who are both overseas.

Vaea has been in parliament before, but lost his seat in the last election to Vaha'i by coin toss. Fohe is a first time parliamentarian

HSH Prince Kalaniuvalu and Lord Fotofili take over the seat for the two Niuas, from Lord Fusitu'a.

Lord Fusitu'a has confirmed on his social media page that he has vacated his seat, declaring himself unavailable as he remains in New Zealand on medical treatment. 

Pita said most of the nobles were present to cast their votes. Those who are abroad and a few in the outer islands sent their votes online.

Two of the Lords who were re-elected are currently serving as Cabinet Ministers, Lord Tu'ilakepa (Fisheries & Agriculture) and Lord Nuku (Police & Prisons).

Results

Noble’s Representatives to the Tonga Legislative Assembly for 2021-25

Tongatapu

1. Lord Vaea, 13 votes 
2. Lord Tu'ivakano, 12 votes
3. Lord Fohe, 10 votes 

Vava’u 

1. Lord Tu’i’afitu, 9 votes
2. Lord Tu’ilakepa, (Minister) 8 votes

Ha’apai

1. Lord Tui’ha’angana, 5 votes
2. Lord Fakafanua, 4 votes

‘Eua 

1. Lord Nuku, (Minister) 11 votes

Niuas 

1. HSH Prince Kalaniuvalu, the Lord Fotofili, 2 votes

Tonga has 33 hereditary noble titles, with some holding more than one title. Two of the noble titles remains vacant.

There are also five Life Peers that can stand and cast votes in the Noble's Election.

Nobles’ Electoral Districts

Tongatapu:

1. ‘Ahome’e, (vacant title)
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,
15. Dalgety ‘o Sikotilani Tonga (Life Peer),
16. Tupou ‘o Kolofo’ou (Life Peer),
17. Sevele ‘o Vailahi (Life Peer).

Vava’u:

1. Fakatulolo,
2. Fulivai,
3. Luani,
4. Tuita,
5. Tu’i’afitu,
6. Tu’ilakepa,
7. ‘Ulukalala,
8. Veikune,
9. Tangi ‘o Vaonukonuka (Life peer),
10. Matoto ‘o Tu’anekivale (Life Peer).

Ha’apai:

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

‘Eua:

1. ‘Ahome’e, (vacant title)
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,
15. Dalgety ‘o Sikotilani Tonga (Life Peer),
16. Tupou ‘o Kolofo’ou (Life Peer),
17. Sevele ‘o Vailahi (Life Peer).

Niuatoputapu & Niuafo’ou:

1. Fotofili,
2. Fusitu’a,
3. Ma’atu, (vacant title)
4. Tangipa.

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Editor's Note: updated to include re-elected Minister's designation