Tongans listening to polling results

Tongans listening to polling results [1]

Nuku'alofa, Tonga

Thursday, November 25, 2010 - 19:16. Updated on Saturday, May 3, 2014 - 20:10.

Photos by Linny Folau, Pesi Fonua and Mary Lyn Fonua

Locking the ballot boxes at 9:00 am, Nai Tonga an electoral officer.

With early results coming in from individual polling stations the names of the leading candidates in Tonga's General Election are expected to be clear by 9:00 pm tonight after thousands of people turned out for the polls on an overcast day.

Tongans around the country are glued to the radio as the numbers are announced as they come in.

This morning polling places around Nuku'alofa were quite busy and had small queues of people at times as whole families arrived in groups and individuals flowed through what turned out to be a relatively smooth and easy polling process.

Civil servants help with electoral duties at 'Apiakoteu.

Early voters for outer island constituencies at 'Apiakoteu.

Many people said they were happy and excited at the historic occasion where they will for the first time elect the people who will form a new government, and the mood of the voters was happy and relaxed.

A recent change in the electoral system has attracted independent candidates, many of them newcomers with no political experience, to contest seats held by seasoned incumbents. Some candidates have formed alliances and party affiliations.

Today's election was called by King George Tupou V "the greatest and most historic day for our Kingdom." In an address to the nation last night the king said "You will choose your representative to the Parliament and thus the first elected Government in our country's long history."

The Prime Minister Dr Feleti Sevele casts his vote in Tongatapu 2 at Ma'ufanga.

Mrs Ainise Sevele at Ma'ufanga this afternoon.

Early Vava'u voter, Sione Taumoefolau at 'Apiakoteu.

Tapuni Siliva school teacher, Loloahi Moimoi casts her vote for Vava'u at 'Apiakoteu.

Polling booths at 'Apiakoteu on Tongatapu.

Kainga Hia, polling official at 'Apiakoteu.

A polling place for Niuas people resident on Tongatapu.

Fea'o Hui, Niuatoputapu at 'Apiakoteu.

'Iakati Hui votes for Niuatoputapu, at 'Apiakoteu.

Sisters Tapaita (22) and Paea (23) Lelenga first time voters for 'Eua.

At Havelu, Talia Vehikite casts her vote in Tongatapu 2 this morning.

Dr Sevele and his wife Ainise arrive at the Ma'ufanga polling station this afternoon.

The Prime Minister votes in Tongatapu 3 at Ma'ufanga.

The Prime Minister, Hon Dr Feleti Sevele casts his vote at Ma'ufanga.

***image19:center***
***image20:center***

Voters at the polling station for Patangata, Nukunukumotu, Tukutonga and Pangaimotu.

Election officials at Patangata polling station.

Voters at the polling station for Patangata, Nukunukumotu, Tukutonga and Pangaimotu.

General Election [2]

Politics [3]