Since independence, there have been only three women elected to the national Parliament, and few women have run as candidates. In the 2010 elections, no women were elected, but following a by-election due to the death of a member of parliament, Hon Pelenika Isaia was elected. More women have become involved at the local level government, with women participating in the quarterly meetings of Falekaupule Assemblies and serving on various development committees in the Kaupule (Council) for each island.
In the General Election in March 2015, a total of 29 candidates stood for elections, three of them being three women candidates (10%). Two of the women candidates, Dr Puakena Boreham and Pelenike Tekinene Isaia, both ran for the two seats of the Nui Electoral District. The third women candidate was Hilia Vavae from the Nanumea Electoral District. Dr. Puakene Boreham was the only woman who won her seat, being the one woman (6%) in a 15 member parliament.
For the 9th September 2019 general elections, there were 37 candidates, two of whom were women (5%), namely Valisi Alimau, who was contesting in the Nukufetau electorate, and Puakena Boreham who was seeking re-election in the Nui electorate. Hon. Puakena Boreham was re-elected into Parliament, again being the one woman (6%) in a now 16-member parliament.
On Friday 26 January 2024, Tuvalu went to the polls for most recent general election. A total of 32 candidates ran for the 16 positions. In the Nui electorate, former Governor General and Attorney General Sir Iakoba Taeia Italeli unseated the only female MP serving in Tuvalu’s previous parliament, Dr. Puakena Boreham. This means there are now no women MPs in the Tuvalu national Parliament.