Press Release, Tonga National Youth Congress

After a week of voting throughout the Kingdom, the youth of Tonga have selected who will represent them in Tonga...’s third Youth Parliament to be held in Tonga's Parliament House from 15-19 November 2004.

The elected candidates are:

Prime Minister: Fatai Tokolahi

Tongatapu

Ministers: Salote Pakileata, Talita Tuepulotu

Nobles: Semisi Hopoi, Savelio Lavelua, Manitasi Leger

People's Representatives: ‘Emele Petelo, Ngase Maile, Timi Naeata

‘Eua

Minister: Ry Palei

Noble: Gerald Tupou

People'’s Representative: ‘Osaiasi Palelei

Vava‘u

Ministers: Sisi Vaipulu, Lisa Havea, Ofa Ika

Nobles: Piula Taulepa, Valeti Fine

People‘’s Representatives: ‘‘Etuate Havea, Afu Pangai

Ha‘’apai

Ministers: Luisa Langi, Kolopa Fifita, Hoifua ‘Aholahi

Nobles: Nafetalai Tonga, Tevita Pouanga

People‘’s Representatives: Paea Latu, Fapiano Fe‘’ao

Niuatoputapu

Ministers: Salina Tongotea

Niuafo‘’ou

Nobles: Taniela Mahe, Tofa Toki

This is the first time the participants of the Youth Parliament have been selected by election. In previous years, preliminary workshops were held in each island group in order to select the delegates, with the top performers selected for the final Youth Parliament. Enthusiasm for the election process was high, with youth keen to have their say of who will represent them.

It was a close race for Prime Minister with Fatai Tokolahi having a 51 to 49 per cent finish over competing candidate Carolanne Makakaufaki. Most of the other positions were close too. Of the 29 parliamentarians, 11 are women, an indication of the support the youth of today have for women to be involved in the decision making for Tonga.

The purpose of the Youth Parliament program is to educate the youth of Tonga about Tonga‘’s Parliamentary system and to provide them with a forum for expressing their ideas, concerns and expectations. By extending the program to include a youth election, youth were given the opportunity to participate in and experience the election process. Candidates learned how to campaign, talking on the TNYC weekly radio program and writing for the TNYC magazine. The experience provided them with the tools and confidence to become more effective members of Parliament. The election also presented, for most youth, their first experience voting.

In addition to being asked to select who they wanted to represent them at the Youth Parliament, voters were asked the following: Should the voting age for the Tongan parliament be reduced from 21 to 18 years of age? The results were strongly in favour of the notion, with 63 per cent showing their support. With the legal age for alcohol consumption and obtaining a driver'’s license at 18, clearly the youth of Tonga believe they also have the maturity to choose who they want to represent them in National Parliament.

The Youth Parliament will take place in Parliament House from 15-19 November. The Guest of Honour for this year‘s Youth Parliament Opening Ceremony will be TNYC‘s Patron, HRH Princess Latufuipeka Mata‘aho Tuku‘aho.

The Youth Parliament is sponsored by the British High Commission.