The results of Tonga's March 17 General election for the nine People's Representative
seats in the Tonga Legislative Assembly:

Tongatapu People's Representatives -
No. 1, 'Akilisi Pohiva, 11,225 votes, (returned),
No. 2, 'Isileli Pulu, 8,110, (returned),
No. 3, Dr Feleti Sevele, 7,585, (returned).

Vava'u People's Representatives -
No. 1, Samiu Vaipulu, 2,272, (new),
No. 2, Viliami Kaufusi Helu, 2,060, (new).

Ha'apai People's Representatives -
No. 1, 'Uliti Uata 2701, (returned),
No. 2. Fineasi Funake 2132, (returned).

'Eua People's Representative -
Sunia Fili, 1360, (returned).

Niuatoputapu and Niuafo'ou People's Representative -
Peauafi Haukinima 920, (returned).
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by Pesi Fonua

We may not want to adopt a political party system but the outcome of the Tongan General election again clearly shows the strength of groups comparing with the campaign efforts of individuals.

The seven incumbent democratic People's Representatives proved the power of unity and solidarity. When they were running against individuals and other loosely bound together groups of individual candidates, it was a complete push over, and the statistics of the voting is the proof.

'Akilisi Pohiva with 11,225 votes, 'Isileli Pulu with 8,110 and Feleti Sevele with 7,585, completely left behind the next two runner-ups, Clive Edwards 3,619 and Fuiva Kavaliku 3,219.

The same thing happened for Ha'apai, with 'Uliti Uata 2701, and Fineasi Funake 2132, comparing with ‘Osaiasi Latu 1993 and Mo'ale Finau with 946 votes.

In 'Eua, Sunia Fili with 1360 votes left the two runner-ups way behind, Kanongata'a Hausia with 813 votes and Finau Sakea with 274 votes.

The same scenario was repeated by Peauafi Haukinima in the Niuas. He walked away with 920 votes, leaving the two runner-ups, 'Aisea Ta'ofi with 215 votes and 'Oketi 'Akau'ola with 80 votes.

Only Vava'u remained to be a no-man's land for the democrats and as a result candidates competed as individuals with equal footing, which resulted with the results being very close, Samiu Vaipulu with 2,272, Viliami Kaufusi Helu 2,060, Sangster Saulala 1,908 and 'Etuate Lavulavu 1,772.

To counter the strength of the democrats, Vava'u seems to have the right ingredients to form a new political grouping to counter the now well-oiled election machine of the democrats. Tonga's political evolution appears to be vibrant.