By Pesi Fonua

The official result of Tonga’s 2021 General Parliamentary Election was announced by the Electoral Commissioner and Supervisor of Elections, Pita Vuki, this afternoon, 30 November 2021.

Candidates in five constituencies applied for recounts, after the preliminary polling results were announced on the polling day, 18 November, for the 17 People's Representatives seats and the 9 Nobles' Representatives seats in the Tonga Legislative Assembly.

After recounts were made for the Tongatapu Constituencies Nos. 1, 5, 7 and 10; and ‘Eua No. 11, there were no changes in the winning candidates.

Yesterday Pita announced the results for Constituencies 1, 5, and 11, however, there was a delay in releasing of the recount of votes in Tongatapu Constituents No. 7 and the Prime Minister's Constituency no. 10.

In the official results today, Rev. Dr. Pohiva Tu'i'onetoa (Tongatapu 10) recorded a slight increase in votes from 1303 to 1306, and the runner up, Kapelieli Militoni Lanumata went down from 1086 to 1082.

In Tongatapu 7, Sione Sangster Saulala remained ahead with 810 votes (no change).

The next step in Tonga’s General Election process is for the Electoral Commissioner to submit the writ of election to the King, then within 10 days from the return of the writ of election, the Interim Speaker must issue an invitation to all elected Representatives to submit nominations for a Prime Minister Designate.

Within three days from closing date for receiving nominations, the Interim Speaker must summon a meeting of the elected Representatives. The Prime Minister's election will be carried out by secret ballot during this meeting.