Description of Electoral System:

(courtesy of IFES election guide)

The Parliament of Tokelau or Fono has 45 members, representatives of the 3 atolls, elections are held every three years. No parties exist in Tokelau. The head of government is chosen for a one-year term by the Council of Faipule, consisting of three elected leaders, one from each atoll, and functions as a cabinet.

Electoral Systems Snapshot

(Courtesy of International IDEA)

*Click on links for definitions

WANT MORE ELECTION RELATED STATS FOR TOKELAU? Go to "election databases" on the left-hand menu of this page OR comparative data on the right-hand menu and choose your area of interest.

Politics in Tokelau

(courtesy of wikipedia)

On November 11, 2004, Tokelau and New Zealand took steps to formulate a treaty that would turn Tokelau from a New Zealand territory to an entity that is in free association with New Zealand. Besides drafting a treaty, a UN sponsored "act of self-determination" has to take place. The referendum, supervised by the UN, started on February 11, 2006 and finished on February 15. Although a 60 percent majority voted in favor of the proposal, a two-thirds majority was required for the referendum to succeed, so Tokelau remains a New Zealand territory. In June 2006, head of government Kolouei O'Brien announced that the Fono had agreed to hold a similar referendum again in late 2007 or early 2008. This was later scheduled for November 2007.