Info
Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Each determination of electoral boundaries shall be made by dividing the Kingdom into 17 electoral constituencies containing an equal number of residents.
Source: The Electoral Boundaries Commission Act 2010, Art. 17 (1) https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/tonga-electoral-boundaries-commission-act-2010-1 (2021)
Verified: 2021/09/13
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
a . "Equality" of population b . Respecting natural barriers d . Conformity with local jurisdiction boundaries f . Communities of interest/cultural concerns
Comments: In determining the degree of variation of size between electoral constituencies (within the 10 per centum allowance) the Commission shall give due consideration to (a) the principle of population equality between electoral constituencies; (b) density of population; (c) physical features including the natural boundaries of islands; (d) local, town, district and traditional divisions and administrative areas; (e) the keeping of villages, estates, districts and communities of interest intact where possible; and (f) community of interests within the proposed electoral constituency, including economic, social and regional interests.
Source: The Electoral Boundaries Commission Act 2010, Art. 17 (3), 18 https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/tonga-electoral-boundaries-commission-act-2010-1 (2021)
Verified: 2021/09/13
BD005
Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question: The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):
d . Boundary Commission
Comments: The Electoral Boundaries Commission
Source: The Electoral Boundaries Commission Act 2010, Art. 16
https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/tonga-electoral-boundaries-commission-act-2010-1 (2021)
Verified: 2021/09/13
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
g . Inherited monarchy
Comments: The form of Government for this Kingdom is a Constitutional Government under His Majesty King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV his heirs and successors.
The King shall appoint a Privy Council to assist him in the discharge of his important functions.
Source: Constitution, Art. 30, 31, 32, 50: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/Tonga%20Act%20of%20Constitution%201988.pdf/view (2021)
Verified: 2021/09/13
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
e . Appointed
Comments: The Cabinet or ministers of the King shall consist of the Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Lands, the Minister of Police and any other ministers whom His Majesty may be pleased to appoint.
Source: Constitution, Art. 51: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/Tonga%20Act%20of%20Constitution%201988.pdf/view (2021)
Verified: 2021/09/13
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 30, 31: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/Tonga%20Act%20of%20Constitution%201988.pdf/view (2021)
Verified: 2021/09/13
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
a . One chamber
Comments: The King and the Legislative Assembly shall have power to enact laws, and the representatives of the nobles and the representatives of the people shall sit as one House. The Legislative Assembly of Tonga shall be composed of the Privy Councillors and Cabinet ministers, who shall sit as nobles, the representatives of the nobles, and representatives of the people. 17 of 26 representatives are directly elected by the people.
Source: Constitution, Art. 56, 57, 59: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/Tonga%20Act%20of%20Constitution%201988.pdf/view (2021)
Verified: 2021/09/13
ES005
Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
a . Plurality (FPTP)
Comments: Ten representatives are elected for Tongatapu, three for Vava'u, two for Ha'apai and one each for Niuas and 'Eua.
Source: IPU Parline Database: https://data.ipu.org/node/174/elections/electoral-system?chamber_id=13543 (2021)
Verified: 2021/09/13
Legislative Framework
LF001
Status of Electoral Law
Question: What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Part of Constitution b . Separate legislation d . Regulations or administrative rules
Comments:
Source: Constitution of Tonga: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/Tonga%20Act%20of%20Constitution%201988.pdf/view (2021);
Electoral Commission Act 2010: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/tonga-electoral-commission-act-2010/view (2021);
Electoral Boundaries Commission Act 2010: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/tonga-electoral-boundaries-commission-act-2010-1 (2021);
Electoral Regulations 2010: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/tonga-electoral-regulations-2010/view (2021);
Amendments can be found here: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/tonga-electoral-amendment-act-2010/view (2021).
Verified: 2021/09/13
LF003
Electoral Law covers
Question: The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):
a . National elections
Comments:
Source: Constitution of Tonga: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/Tonga%20Act%20of%20Constitution%201988.pdf/view (2021);
Electoral Act (as amended in 2010): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/tonga-electoral-amendment-act-2010/view (2021);
Electoral Commission Act 2010: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/tonga-electoral-commission-act-2010/view (2021);
Electoral Boundaries Commission Act 2010: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/tonga-electoral-boundaries-commission-act-2010-1 (2021);
Electoral Regulations 2010: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/tonga-electoral-regulations-2010/view (2021).
Verified: 2021/09/13
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
a . Voting is voluntary
Comments:
Source: Constitution of Tonga, Art. 64: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/Tonga%20Act%20of%20Constitution%201988.pdf/view (2021).
Verified: 2021/09/13
LF007
Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question: What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
a . Judiciary c . Specially Appointed/Elected Electoral Tribunal
Comments: a) An election petition may be presented to the Supreme Court by a person who voted or had a right to vote at the election, by a person claiming to have had a fight to be elected or returned at the election, or by a person alleging himself to have been a candidate at the election.
c)The Electoral Appeal Committee deals with any person whose application for registration as an elector has been refused, or whose name has been removed from the register, or who disputes the electoral district in which he has been registered.
Source: Electoral Act (as amended in 2014), Art. 6, 26: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/tonga-electoral-amendment-act-2014 (2021)
Verified: 2021/09/13
Electoral Management
EM002
Responsibility of national EMB
Question: Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):
a . National level
Comments:
Source: Electoral Commission Act 2010, Art. 10: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/tonga-electoral-commission-act-2010/view (2021)
Verified: 2021/09/14
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
b . The Prime Minister g . Other
Comments: The funds available to the Commission shall be allocated by the Legislative Assembly for that purpose or granted by an external agency or government for general purposes, for a specific purpose, or for the remuneration and benefit of specialists.
Source: Electoral Commission Act 2010, Art. 11
https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/tonga-electoral-act-1989-1 (2021)
Verified: 2021/09/14
EM005
EMB expenditures controlled by
Question: The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):
g . Other
Comments: The Commission shall report to His Majesty the King and the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly on its activities for each calendar year by 30 March in the next year and upon the conduct of any general election, and on matters arising from such experience, within 3 months of the general election.
Source: Electoral Commission Act 2010, Art. 14
https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/tonga-electoral-commission-act-2010/view (2021)
Verified: 2021/09/14
EM006
Term of EMB members
Question: The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:
b . For a specified number of years
Comments: The Commission shall consist of a person appointed by the King for a term of five years, who will be the Chairman, the Supervisor of Elections, and a person appointed by the King for such term as he may deem fit
Source: Electoral Commission Act 2010, Art. 4
https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/tonga-electoral-commission-act-2010/view (2021)
Electoral Commission Act 2012, Art. 2 Amendment
http://www.paclii.org/to/legis/num_act/eca2012302.pdf (2021)
Verified: 2021/09/14
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
b . Independent
Comments: In the exercise of its functions and duties, the Commission shall be independent.
Source: Electoral Commission Act 2010, Art. 10 (1), 4 (2)
https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/tonga-electoral-commission-act-2010/view (2021)
Verified: 2014/11/19
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
a . 1 - 10 members (specify)
Comments: The Commission shall consist of a person appointed by the King for a term of five years, who will be the Chairman, the Supervisor of Elections, and a person appointed by the King for such term as he may deem fit.
Source: Electoral Commission Act 2010, Art. 10 (1)
https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/tonga-electoral-commission-act-2010/view (2021)
Electoral Commission Act 2012, Art. 2 Amendment
http://www.paclii.org/to/legis/num_act/eca2012302.pdf (2021)
Verified: 2021/09/14
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
e . No Information Available
Comments: The Commission shall consist of a person appointed by the King for a term of five years, who will be the Chairman, the Supervisor of Elections, and a person appointed by the King for such term as he may deem fit.
Source: Electoral Commission Act 2010
https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/tonga-electoral-commission-act-2010/view (2021)
Electoral Commission Act 2012, Art. 2 Amendment
http://www.paclii.org/to/legis/num_act/eca2012302.pdf (2021)
Verified: 2021/09/14
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
a . Head of State
Comments: The Commission shall consist of a person appointed by the King for a term of five years, who will be the Chairman, the Supervisor of Elections, and a person appointed by the King for such term as he may deem fit.
Source: Electoral Commission Act 2010, Art. 4
https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/tonga-electoral-commission-act-2010/view (2021)
Electoral Commission Act 2012, Art. 2 Amendment
http://www.paclii.org/to/legis/num_act/eca2012302.pdf (2021)
Verified: 2021/09/14
Voter Education
VE001
Information campaigns performed by
Question: Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s):
a . National Electoral Management Body
Comments: The Electoral Commission shall devise, undertake and review programmes of education for voters, candidates and others involved in elections.
Source: Electoral Commission Act 2010, Art. 10 (2 g): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/tonga-electoral-commission-act-2010/view (2021)
Verified: 2021/09/15
VE002
Frequency of voter education programs
Question: At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:
b . Election time only
Comments:
Source: Electoral Commission Act 2010, Art. 10 (2 g): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/tonga-electoral-commission-act-2010/view (2021)
Verified: 2021/09/15
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
b . Yes, conducted by the National Electoral Management Body
Comments: The Electoral Commission shall devise, undertake and review programmes of education for voters, candidates and others involved in elections.
Source: Electoral Commission Act 2010, Art. 10 (2 g): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/tonga-electoral-commission-act-2010/view (2021)
Verified: 2021/09/15
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
f . 21
Comments:
Source: Constitution of Tonga, Art. 64: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/Tonga%20Act%20of%20Constitution%201988.pdf/view (2021)
Verified: 2021/09/15
VR002
Other voting requirements
Question: Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Citizenship b . Period of Residence d . Naturalization e . Other
Comments: Every Tongan upon attaining the age of 21 years shall, unless disqualified under clause 64 of the Constitution, within 3 months of attaining that age or within 3 months of his return to the Kingdom if not already registered or within 3 months of becoming a naturalised Tongan subject, apply to the Supervisor in Form 1 of the Schedule to be entered on the roll for the constituency in which he has been resident for the period of 3 months before his application for registration. An application in Form 1 shall include a recent photograph of the applicant. Upon the registration of any elector, the Supervisor shall issue a certificate in Form 2 of the Schedule.”.
Source: Constitution of Tonga, Art. 23, 64: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/Tonga%20Act%20of%20Constitution%201988.pdf/view (2021);
Electoral Act (as amended in 2010), Art. 4 (3): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/tonga-electoral-amendment-act-2010/view (2021)
Verified: 2021/09/15
VR004
Authority responsible for voter registration
Question: Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:
d . Election Management Body (specify)
Comments: Supervisor of Elections
Source: The Electoral Act 1989, Art. 4 (3) https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/tonga-electoral-act-1989-1 (2021)
Verified: 2021/09/15
VR008
Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Question: Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Every Tongan upon attaining the age of 21 years shall, unless disqualified under clause 64 of the Constitution, within 3 months of attaining that age or within 3 months of his return to the Kingdom if not already registered or within 3 months of becoming a naturalised Tongan subject, apply to the Supervisor in Form 1 of the Schedule to be entered on the roll for the district in which he is then residing. Failure to register constitutes an offence liable to punishment by a fine not exceeding $50.
Source: Electoral Act (as amended in 2010), Art. 4 (3, 8): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/tonga-electoral-act-1989-1 (2021)
Verified: 2021/09/15
Parties and Candidates
PC001
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Signature requirement (specify requirement) b . Deposit requirement (specify amount)
Comments: The legislation does not specify any registration requirements for political parties, in fact there are no official political parties. There are only specific qualification requirements for candidates.
Source: Electoral Act 1989 Section 9 (2): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/tonga-electoral-act-1989-1 (2021)
Verified: 2021/09/15
PC003
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship f . Registration i . Minimum level of literacy j . Other
Comments: a) 21 years old;
f) Every candidate shall be nominated in writing in accordance with Form 4 of the Schedule signed by 50 persons who are qualified electors for that electoral district. The candidate shall assent to the nomination in writing by fixing his signature to the nomination paper.
i) Candidates must be able to read and write.
j) At the time of nomination the candidate shall deposit to the returning officer the sum of $200.
Source: Constitution of Tonga, Art.64, 65: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/Tonga%20Act%20of%20Constitution%201988.pdf/view (2021);
Electoral Act (as amended in 2010), Art. 9 (2, 3): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/tonga-electoral-act-1989-1 (2021)
Verified: 2021/09/15
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
c . In legislative elections (Chamber 1)
Comments: Any person who is qualified to be an elector may be chosen as a representative provided that s/he adheres to the other specified requirements stated in the law and the constitution.
Source: Constitution of Tonga, Art. 64, 65: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/Tonga%20Act%20of%20Constitution%201988.pdf/view (2021)
Verified: 2021/09/15
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2021/09/15
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
f . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2021/09/15
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: No candidate may spend, on any election campaign, more than the sum of $10,000. This includes: any donation made within 6 months of an election, either by a candidate or on his behalf, the cost of any entertaining (including food, drink or provision) paid by or on behalf of a candidate within 6 months of an election and travelling or transportation expenses paid by or on behalf of a candidate, to enable people to travel to a polling station.
Within 14 days after an election, every candidate shall deliver to the Supervisor a sworn statement of his election expenses. It is an offence for any candidate to spend on an election campaign more than the sum of $10,000 or to fail to deliver the statement.
Source: Electoral Act (1989) Art. 24: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/tonga-electoral-act-1989-1 (2021)
Electoral Act (as amended in 2010), Art. 19: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/tonga-electoral-amendment-act-2010/view (2021)
Verified: 2021/09/15
Vote Counting
VC004
Votes are sorted/counted at
Question: Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:
a . The polling stations
Comments: The Officer in charge of each polling station shall after the time for voting has ceased count the votes on the ballot papers and then publicly announce at the polling station the number of votes received by each candidate. He shall then as soon as possible forward a certificate to that effect to the returning officer of the district with the ballot papers. The
returning officer shall as soon as possible ascertain the number of votes received throughout the electoral district by each of the candidates and shall declare the same in writing, together with the names of the candidates who have been elected. Such declaration shall be posted publicly on the post office of the electoral district and similar declarations shall be posted to the Supervisor by registered mail.
Source: Electoral Act 1989, Art. 16: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/tonga-electoral-act-1989-1 (2021)
Verified: 2021/09/15
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
d . By request
Comments: Any candidate may, within one week of the declaration of the poll, demand in writing addressed to the Supervisor of elections, that the votes be recounted. Any candidate demanding a recount shall pay, in advance, to the Supervisor, a fee of $1,000 which shall not be refunded unless: (a) as a result of the recount, a different candidate is elected; or
(b) the Supervisor, in announcing his decision on the recount, certifies that in his opinion the demand for a recount was reasonable.
Source: Electoral Act 1989, Art. 17: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/tonga-electoral-act-1989-1 (2021)
Electoral Amendment Act 2010, Art. 15: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/tonga-electoral-amendment-act-2010/view (2021)
Verified: 2021/09/15
Media and Elections
ME037
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):
e . As agreed by special committee
Comments: For the purpose of promoting fairness and equal opportunities for all candidates and to prevent abuses, the Electoral Commission shall regulate the use of radio, television, newspaper, internet and other political notices, reports, appeals and advertising during the election period.
Source: Electoral Commission Act 2010, Art. 10 (2 k)
http://www.tongaelections.com/images/stories/TECdocuments/ENG/ElectoralCommissionAct/electoralcommissionact2010_1.pdf (2014)
Verified: 2014/11/21
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
d . No information available
Comments:
Source: Electoral Commission Act 2010, Art. 10 (2 k): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/tonga-electoral-commission-act-2010/view (2010)
Verified: 2021/09/15
ME062
Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.
Question: What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:
g . No information available
Comments: The law does not specifically refer to the blackout period during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released.
Source: Electoral Act (as amended in 2014): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/tonga-electoral-act-1989-1 (2021)
Verified: 2021/09/15
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
c . No information available
Comments: There is no legal provision regarding paid advertising. However, the legislation specifies that no candidate may spend on any election campaign more than the sum of $ 10, 000. This includes donations, entertaining expenses as well as travelling and transportation expenses.
Additionally, the Prime Minister, with the consent of His Majesty in Council, may make regulations which are necessary to regulate election advertizing and electioneering.
Source: Electoral Act (as amended in 2014), Art. 24: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/tonga-electoral-act-1989-1 (2021)
Verified: 2021/09/15
Direct Democracy
DD002
Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: All people shall be free to send letters or petitions to the King or Legislative Assembly and to meet and consult concerning matters about which they think it right to petition the King or Legislative Assembly to pass or repeal enactments provided that they meet peaceably without arms and without disorder.
Source: Constitution of Tonga, Art. 8: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/Tonga%20Act%20of%20Constitution%201988.pdf/view (2021)
Verified: 2021/09/15
DD003
Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: Neither the Constitution, nor the electoral legislation include provisions for any referenda.
Source: Constitution of Tonga: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/Tonga%20Act%20of%20Constitution%201988.pdf/view (2021)
Verified: 2021/09/15
DD004
Optional referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution of Tonga: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/Tonga%20Act%20of%20Constitution%201988.pdf/view (2021)
Verified: 2021/09/15
DD005
Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: All people shall be free to send letters or petitions to the King or Legislative Assembly and to meet and consult concerning matters about which they think it right to petition the King or Legislative Assembly to pass or repeal enactments provided that they meet peaceably without arms and without disorder.
Source: Constitution of Tonga, Art. 8: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/Tonga%20Act%20of%20Constitution%201988.pdf/view (2021)
Verified: 2021/09/15
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution of Tonga: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/Tonga%20Act%20of%20Constitution%201988.pdf/view (2021)
Verified: 2021/09/15
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution of Tonga: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/Tonga%20Act%20of%20Constitution%201988.pdf/view (2021)
Verified: 2014/11/21
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
e . Not applicable
Comments: There are no provisions on referenda in the electoral law or in the constitution.
Source: Constitution of Tonga: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/Tonga%20Act%20of%20Constitution%201988.pdf/view (2021)
Verified: 2021/09/15
DD130
Question: Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer:
e . Not applicable
Comments: There are no provisions on referenda in the electoral law or in the constitution.
Source: Constitution of Tonga: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/Tonga%20Act%20of%20Constitution%201988.pdf/view (2021)
Verified: 2021/09/15
DD131
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:
c . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2021/09/15
Voting Operations
VO003
Electors vote at
Question: Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):
a . At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections b . At any polling station in the same voting district
Comments: The Electoral Act seems to allow the elector to vote at the "nearest polling station for the district in which he is registered" but the practice seems to be specified polling stations - in effect this may be the same thing ie only one polling station per district.
Source: Electoral Amendment Act 2010, Art. 11 (1), 13: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/tonga-electoral-amendment-act-2010/view (2021)
Electoral Amendment Act 2014, Section 6: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/tonga-electoral-amendment-act-2014 (2021)
Electoral Regulation 2010, Art. 8: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/tonga-electoral-regulations-2010/view (2021)
Verified: 2021/09/15
VO004
Voting outside the country is permitted for
Question: Who can vote from outside the country?
Answer(s):
a . Outside the country voting is not permitted
Comments:
Source: Electoral Act 1989, Art. 11 (1), 13: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/tonga-electoral-amendment-act-2010/view (2021)
Verified: 2021/09/15
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
a . Manually marking of ballots
Comments: Electors strike out with "pen or pencil all names on the ballot paper other than those representatives he wishes to elect."
Source: Electoral Act (as amended in 2010 & 2014 ), Art. 12: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/tonga-electoral-amendment-act-2014 (2021)
Verified: 2021/09/15
The data on this page is continuously updated.
Additional, but potentially outdated material is available here.
Forgot your password?
