1954 Tongan general election

General elections were held in Tonga on 28 May 1954.[1] An amended electoral law had been passed in 1951 to allow women to vote for the first time in the elections; however, a technical error in the legislation was discovered that meant the franchise could not be extended in time to take effect for the 1954 elections.[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,[2][1] seven ministers (including the governors of Haʻapai and Vavaʻu) and a Speaker chosen by the monarch, Sālote Tupou III.[3]

Results

Constituency Elected members Notes
Commoners
HaʻapaiPousima 'Afeaki
V.L. Tu'akihekoloRe-elected
TongatapuMolitoni FinauRe-elected
Sekonaia Tu'akoiRe-elected
Harry Percival Vete
VavaʻuSamisoni Puliuvea Afuha'amangoRe-elected
T. MafuaRe-elected
Nobles
HaʻapaiTu'iha'anganaRe-elected
TuitaRe-elected
TongatapuFusitu'a
Semisi FonuaRe-elected
Lavaka
VavaʻuTu'ilakepa
VeikuneRe-elected
Source: Pacific Islands Monthly

References

  1. Tongan Women Missed Their Vote Pacific Islands Monthly, July 1954, p90
  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
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