SIX candidates – all men, have registered today for the September 15 by-election for Tongatapu 9 constituency in Nuku'alofa.

The Supervisor of Elections Pita Vuki told Matangi Tonga Online that the six candidates included newcomer Falisi Tupou from Tatakamotonga, and previsous candidates Seventeen Toumo'ua from Haveluliku, Viliami Fukofuka from Tatakamotonga, 'Epeli Kalemani from Fua'amotu, Siaosi Tu'ipulotu from 'Alakifonua and Konisitutone Kami from Lavengatonga.

Pita said all candidates had completed the registration process and provided all required documentation to the Electoral Commission office in Nuku'alofa during the registration between 10am to 3pm today, August 18.

Candidates can now start with their public campaigning while the Electoral Commission is to publish the ballot paper before September 15, the day set for the by-election in Tonga.

A by-election was called to fill the seat vacated by the late Kaveinga Fa'anunu.

Kaveinga won the seat out of 15 candidates who registered for Tongatapu 9 in the General Election last November.