A total of 23 candidates have registered to run in Tonga's by-election on May 5 for the two vacant People's Representative seats in the Legislative Assembly.

When the registration of candidates closed yesterday, April 14, 18 candidates had registered for Tongatapu - nine new candidates and nine who previously contested the seat.

There were five candidates for the Niuatoputapu and Niufo'ou by-election - four new candidates and one former candidate.

The by-election to elect one Noble's Representative for 'Eua and one for Tongatapu will take place on May 3.

Candidates for the Tongatapu by-election are:

1. Semisi Tupou, Kolomotu'a

2. Meteitalo Folaumoetao Mahu'inga, Pea

3. Sosaia Kamea, Kolomotu...’a

4. Kaio Vehikite, 'Utulau

5. 'Isikeli Vave, Kolofo'ou

6. Finau Hevaha Tutone, Haveluloto

7. Nalesoni Leka, Haveluloto

8. Fuiva Ruby Adeline Kavaliku, Ha'ateiho

9. Semisi P. I. Tapueluelu, Talafo...’ou

10. Kamipeli Tofa'imala'e'aloa, Kolofo'ou

11. William Clive Edwards, Kolofo...’ou

12. Hoatatau Tenisi, Tokomololo

13. Viliami Kini Mangisi, Ha...’avakatolo

14. Fonongaika Tuipeatau, Ma'ufanga

15. 'Alisi Pone Fotu, Kolofo...’ou

16. Semisi Kailahi, Holonga

17. 'Aisake Fa'alongo Filimone, Nukunuku

18. Pita Uikelotu, Haveluloto

Candidates for the Niuatoputapu & Niuafo...’ou by-election:

1. Falanisi Taukei'aho, Hihifo, Niuatoputapu

2. Leopolo Mahe Taunisila, Hihifo, Niuatoputapu

3. 'Oketi Lotulelei 'Akau...’ola, Kolofo'ou, Niuafo'ou

4. Sione Kietonga Lauteau Holi, Hihifo, Niuatoputapu

5. Feinga ...‘Iloa, Vaipoa, Niuafo'ou