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

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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

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Constituency Elected members Notes
Commoners
Haʻapai Pousima 'Afeaki
V.L. Tu'akihekolo Re-elected
Tongatapu Molitoni Finau Re-elected
Sekonaia Tu'akoi Re-elected
Harry Percival Vete
Vavaʻu Samisoni Puliuvea Afuha'amango Re-elected
T. Mafua Re-elected
Nobles
Haʻapai Tu'iha'angana Re-elected
Tuita Re-elected
Tongatapu Fusitu'a
Semisi Fonua Re-elected
Lavaka
Vavaʻu Tu'ilakepa
Veikune Re-elected
Source: Pacific Islands Monthly

References

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  1. ^ a b c Tongan Women Missed Their Vote Pacific Islands Monthly, July 1954, p90
  2. ^ a b 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