1969 Tongan general election

General elections were held in Tonga in May 1969.[1]

Electoral system

The Legislative Assembly had seven directly-elected members; three representing Tongatapu and nearby islands, two representing Haʻapai and two representing Vavaʻu and nearby islands.[2] A further seven members were elected by the nobility based on the same constituencies,[1] seven ministers (including the governors of Haʻapai and Vavaʻu) and a Speaker chosen by the monarch.[3]

Results

Three incumbent MPs (Pousima Afeaki and Lopeti Tofaimalaealoa of Haʻapai and Lopoi Tupou of Tongatapu) lost their seats.[1]

Constituency	Elected members
Commoners
Haʻapai	Tevita Sale Taufa
	Latunipulu Unga
Tongatapu	Tuilatai Mataele
	Vili Ahio Vaipulu
	Sekonaia Tu'akoi
Vavaʻu	Lataipouono Niusini
	Masao Paasi
Source: Pacific Islands Monthly

Aftermath

The newly elected Legislative Assembly was opened by King Tāufaʻāhau Tupou IV on 19 June.[1]

References

1. They clowned their man to victory Pacific Islands Monthly, July 1969, p33
2. New Tongan Parliament Elected Pacific Islands Monthly, June 1948, p74
3. Tonga Elects New Parliament: History of the Growth of Democracy Recalled Pacific Islands Monthly, July 1948, pp21–22