Targeting to get as many women candidates to be elected in the Tonga Legislative Assembly in the next election, is the aim of a newly formed Women's Group named "Fakatou Hama".

Chaired by Siosiane Bloomfield with Dr 'Ana Taufe'ulungaki as Secretary, a first meeting on April 21 attracted about 16 attendees, including the former Minister of Justice and Attorney General 'Alisi Taumopeau, a former MP Lepolo Taunisila, former candidate Fuiva Kavaliku, a broadcaster Katalina Tohi, businesswoman Jessie Prema and Polotu Paunga from the Women's Division of the Ministry of Education.

The aim of the meeting was to find a name for the group and agree upon its mission statement, vision, principles and working plan.

Support group

Dr 'Ana Taufe'ulungaki said the group is to be registered as a Non-Profit Organisation is aimed at supporting any woman candidate who would be running in this year's election regardless of her political affiliation.

"However, she must agree with our principles that include honesty, having respect for the rule of law, abiding by the rule of law, posses our Christian faith and be well-educated.

"We basically want to support and encourage women to run for our new government because women have the skills and the competency to become a member of that could make lift the standard of our parliament," said 'Ana.

The women's group would be supporting potential women candidates in campaigning, providing advice, information and funding for a successful election campaign.

'Ana, the Director of the Institute of Education of the University of the South Pacific based in Tonga, said the initiative evolved from the principle, that nation building requires input from women as they have different perspectives from that of men, and who have emphasis on social issues, health, stability and peace.

"We want to see as many women be part of the new government as we possibly can and be elected into the decision making positions," said 'Ana.

The next meeting of the group is set for May 12 and in the meantime the group would draft its constitution and register. At the same time sources of funding are being looked at for its operation.

The group's mission statement is to build a Tonga that is Christian, with good governance, in an educated, peaceful, cooperative, stable, secure environment that is prosperous for all.