Former Speaker Tu'iha'angana loses seat in Nobles election

Former Speaker Tu'iha'angana loses seat in Nobles election [1]

Nuku'alofa, Tonga

Wednesday, April 23, 2008 - 16:03. Updated on Thursday, June 12, 2014 - 09:58.

Tonga's Nobles' Representatives for 2008-10.

The last Speaker of the House, Hon Tu'iha'angana, lost his Ha'apai seat when Tonga's 29 nobles this morning, April 23, elected their nine representatives to the Tongan Legislative Assembly for 2008-10.

Tu'iha'angana lost his seat to Hon. Tu'ipelehake who moved from the Tongatapu electorate. Tu'ipelehake got three votes and incumbent member Hon Tu'iha'ateihio was re elected with three votes as the second Nobles' Representative for Ha'apai.

Arriving at the Palace Office to cast his vote today, Hon. Tu'iha'angana.

Tongatapu

For Tongatapu the three members include two newly elected members, noblemen Fielakepa and Ma'afu with incumbent member Fohe re-elected. Fielakepa and Ma'afu acquired 10 votes each while Fohe got 6.

In Vava'u incumbent members Hon Luani and Hon Tu'ilakepa were re elected with three votes each.

For 'Eua Hon Lasike was re elected with seven votes, while the two Niuas (Niuatoputapu and Niuafo'ou) re elected Hon. Tangipa who got two votes.

Re-elected Nobles Reprentatives, Hon. Tangipa (Niuas) and Hon. Lasike 'Eua.

The Supervisor of Election, Pita Vuki said all 29 of eligible nobles voted today. He said those not physically present included Hon Vaea, Prince 'Ulukalala and Prince Ata but they cast their votes by sending them in.

The nobles' election followed a different procedure from the people's Parliamentary election that will be held tomorrow, Thursday April 24.

Pita said in the noble's election there are no nominations and no candidates. In the case of Tongatapu the 16 noble titles were listed, they cast their votes and the top three were elected.

Experience

Vava'u Nobles' Representative, Hon. Luani (left); and Tongatapu Nobles Representative, Hon. Fielakepa (right).

Hon Luani a spokesman for the nobles said after the election, their members elected today reflected nobles who have adequate skills and experience "vital for an active participant who will be discussing the political reform issues in Parliament".

He said the caliber of the nobles elected was evident and he pointed out Hon. Fielakepa, (a lawyer and former Lord Chamberlain and former Minister of Lands); as well as the king's first cousin, Hon Tu'ipelehake; and the king's former ADC Hon. Ma'afu, who he said have the experience to engage in the discussions and negotiations in parliament.

The Prime Minister Hon. Dr Feleti Sevele at the Palace Office this morning.

Tongan nobles cast their votes at the Palace Office this morning.

A young noble, Hon. Fakafanua,.

Parliament [2]