By Matangi Tonga reporters

A poor turnout saw less than 50% of registered voters casting ballots today in Tonga's General Election.

Shortly after 9:00pm tonight, the Electoral Supervisor Pita Vuki, released the results. He said that 31,988 out of 64,707 registered voters had cast ballots today – a turnout of 49.4%.

Ten out of 17 People's Representative seats are retained by incumbents.

The Prime Minister Hon. Dr 'Aisake Valu 'Eke retained his Tongatapu 5 seat with 72.93% of votes in his constituency – the highest polling candidate.

Six newcomers took the People's Representatives seats for Tongatapu 6 and 8, Ha'apai 12 and 13, Vava'u 15 and Ongo Niua 17, while a former MP Semisi Sika regained a seat in Tongatapu 2.

Only one woman was elected. In Tongatapu 6 a newcomer Fane Fotu Fituafe, Houma, (978, 37.36%) surpassed the incumbent Dulcie Tei (835, 31.81%).

Other incumbents who lost their seats tonight were the Education Minister, 'Uhilamoelangi Fasi (Tongatpu 2), Tourism Minister, Moale Finau (Ha'apai 12) and representatives Johnny Grattan Vaea Taione (Tongatapu 8), Veivosa Light of Life Taka (Ha'apai 13), Samiu Kuita Vaipulu (Vava'u 15), and Vatau Mefi Hui (Ongo Niua 17).

Two of the newcomers won seats with less than 30% of the vote in their constituencies.

Only 10 out of 17 People's Representatives attracted more than 1000 votes in the national election.

Pita Vuki said the low turnout of voters was something they would have to address in the future.

Earlier, Vuki expressed concern on the declining trend of voters turnout in previous general elections in Tonga and had hoped the turnout would improve in 2025.

He said there was a 91% turnout in the 2010 election, but had been declining since. The turnout for the last election in 2021 was 62%.

Two major concerns affecting the voter participation, he said, were the Tongans travelling outside of the country on election day who cannot cast a vote. Vuki was concerned because Tonga is not able to facilitate for Tongans working overseas, who want to vote but are unable to because of our aw.

Official results

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