Tonga
The Kingdom of Tonga has a population of approximately 100,000 people. Tonga is the only constitutional monarchy in the Pacific. Between 2006 and 2010, Tonga underwent a major constitutional reform and democratisation process. The Legislative Assembly formerly had 9 members elected by the entire country, 9 members elected by the Nobles of Tonga and any number of members appointed by the King. Following the reforms, the Legislative Assembly now comprises of 17 members elected by the entire country (called People’s Representatives), 9 members elected by the Nobles of Tonga and up to 4 members appointed by the King. The Prime Minster is then chosen from amongst the members of the House.
The first elections under this new electoral system were held in 2010 whereby the election of members is conducted under the simple majority voting system of ‘First-Past-the-Post’ (FPTP). Under this system, the candidate with the most votes is elected. No women were elected during the 2010 elections. However, the King chose to appoint two members to the Legislative Assembly – one of whom was a woman.
Tonga next held its general elections on 27 November 2014, with a total of 106 candidates standing for the elections, 16 of whom were women (15.09%). Unfortunately no women were elected into Parliament in 2014. Following a Supreme Court ruling in January 2016 which voided the election of the current MP, a by-election was held on 14 July 2016 to elect a new member of Parliament. Four candidates stood for the by-election. Hon. Akosita Havili Lavulavu polled 754 of the 1913 votes in the 2016 by-election and became the only female member of the Legislative Assembly.
Tonga held a national general election on 16 November 2017. Media outlet Kaniva Tonga reported that 86 candidates officially registered to stand, out of which 15 were women candidates. Following the snap elections, 2 women were elected into Parliament, with Hon. ‘Akosita Lavulavu re-elected, together with newcomer Hon. Losaline Ma’asi. With the untimely passing of the Honorable Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva in September 2019, and following the election by the legislature of Hon. Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa as Tonga’s new Prime Minister, a new woman MP,Dr. Ámelia Tuípulotu was also appointed as the Minister for Health. The new Cabinet line up also included Hon. Akosita Lavulavu as the Minister of Cabinet for Government.
Tonga held a national general election on 18 November 2021 to elect the 17 open seats in the 26 seats to the Legislative Assembly. 75 candidates, including 12 women, registered to contest the election. One candidate later withdrew, while a second one died, leaving 73 candidates in total. Voters elected an all-male parliament, with nine new people’s representatives. Three elections were voided after allegations of bribery were upheld, leading to three by-elections. These bye-elections led to the election of one woman MP, namely, Hon Dulcie Elaine Tei. Health minister, Dr Ana Akau’ola, was also appointed to her position from outside parliament at the beginning of the 2025 by King Tupou VI, following the ousting of PM Saosi Solaveni.
Tonga held its most recent general election on 20 November 2025. A total of 71 candidates for the People’s Seats and 18 contestants for the Nobles’ Seats registered to contest the election. Only eight women contested the election, the lowest total since democratisation in 2010.
Past National Women MPs
Hon ‘Akosita Havili Lavulavu
Party: Independent
Term: 2016 - 2017; 2017 - 2021
Electorate: Vava'u 16
Province: N/A
Political Status: Minister
Hon Dulcie Elaine Tei
Party: N/A
Term: 2022-2025
Electorate: Tongatapu 6
Province: Tongatapu
Political Status: Former MP
Hon Lepolo Mahe Taunisila
Party: N/A
Term: 2005-2008
Electorate: Niuas
Province: N/A
Political Status: MP
Hon Ofa Fusitu’a
Party: N/A
Term: 1993=1995
Electorate: Niuas
Province: N/A
Political Status: MP
Hon Papiloa Foliaki
Party: N/A
Term: 1978=1980
Electorate: Tongatapu
Province: N/A
Political Status: MP
Hon Princess Mele Siu ‘ilikutapu
Party: N/A
Term: 1975-1977
Electorate: Tongatapu
Province: N/A
Political Status: MP
Hon. Losaline Ma’asi
Party: N/A
Term: 2017 - 2021
Electorate: Tongatapu 5
Province: N/A
Political Status: Member of Parliament
Minister ‘Amelia Tu’ipulotu
Party: N/A
Term: 2019 - 2021
Electorate: Appointed
Province: N/A
Political Status: Minister for Health
Minister ‘Ana Akau’ola
Party: N/A
Term: Jan 2025 to Nov-2025
Electorate: Appointed
Province: N/A
Political Status: Minister for Health
MInister ‘Ana Maui Taufe’ulungaki
Party: None
Term: Jan 2011 to Nov 2014
Electorate: Appointed
Province: N/A
Political Status: Minister for Education, Women's Affairs and Culture
Minister ‘Alisi Taumoepeau
Party: N/A
Term: 16 May 2006 to 31 May 2009
Electorate: Appointed
Province: N/A
Political Status: Minister for Justice & Attorney General
Minister Eseta Fusitu’a
Party: N/A
Term: April 2009 to Nov 2010
Electorate: Appointed
Province: N/A
Political Status: Min of Info & Comms
Minister Sinaitakala Tu’itahi
Party: N/A
Term: Jan 2025 - Nov 2025
Electorate: Appointed
Province: N/A
Political Status: Minister for Internal Affairs
Current Sub-National Women MPs
No Women MPs