2008 Tongan general election

Controversy

About two weeks before the election, it was announced that the Tonga Broadcasting Commission would henceforth censor candidates' political broadcasts, and that TBC reporters would be banned from reporting on political matters, allegedly because they lacked the necessary training for objective coverage. The decision was criticised by the Pacific Islands News Association, and New Zealand's Minister of Revenue, Peter Dunne, commented that it was "unfortunate". Tonga Review said that the decision was a restriction on freedom of speech, and compared Tonga with Zimbabwe, a comparison rejected by the TBC. Tongan MP Clive Edwards said that the TBC's decision was aimed at stifling criticism of the government in the lead-up to the election, and to hamper the re-election chances of pro-democracy MPs. Pesi Fonua, head of the Tonga Media Council, said that the election "very much depends on how the candidates present themselves", and that censorship would "definitely have an impact".

Results

By constituency

People's Representatives

Nobles' representatives

Nine nobles were elected by the 29 eligible members of the nobility on 23 April. All 29 voters cast votes. There were no nominations, and no candidates. Tuʻihaʻangana, outgoing Speaker of the House, lost his seat in Haʻapai.

References

References

1. [http://www.mherrera.org/elections.htm Electoral Calendar- world elections, US elections, presidential election, world parties]
2. [http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90777/90851/6335327.html Tonga to hold general elections in April - People's Daily Online]
3. [http://www.matangitonga.to/article/tonganews/parliament/tonga-election_turnout_28_4_08.shtml "48% turnout for 2008 General Election"] {{Webarchive. link. (27 May 2011 , ''Matangi Tonga'', 28 April 2008)
4. [http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90777/6363938.html Tonga to hold general election on 24 April - People's Daily Online]
5. [http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/latest/200804251018/38bc94e1 Pro-democracy MPs mostly returned in Tonga - Radio New Zealand] {{Webarchive. link. (7 February 2012 , 25 April 2008)
6. (25 April 2008). "Tongans elect pro-democracy MPs". BBC News.
7. link. (24 April 2008)
8. (2 May 2008). "Tonga election recount of Vava'u result next week". [[Radio New Zealand]].
9. (14 May 2008). "Two Tonga People's Reps election results in Vava'u confirmed by recount". [[RNZ]].
10. [http://www.matangitonga.to/article/tonganews/newsmedia/tbc_censorship_110408.shtml "TBC's censorship committee makes its mark on coming election"] {{Webarchive. link. (11 April 2008 , [[Matangi Tonga]], 11 April 2008)
11. [http://www.abc.net.au/ra/programguide/stories/200804/s2213489.htm "Reporting restrictions in Tonga criticised by region"], ABC Radio Australia, 10 April 2008
12. (10 April 2008). "Tonga pressured over media restrictions". [[The Age]].
13. link. (12 April 2008 , Tonga Review, 7 April 2008)
14. link. (12 April 2008 , Tonga Review, 10 April 2008)
15. (9 April 2008). "Veteran Tonga politician says government's latest move is to stop criticism". [[Radio New Zealand International]].
16. (8 April 2008). "State Broadcaster restrictions slammed by Tonga People's Rep". [[Radio New Zealand International]].
17. (23 April 2008). "Restrictions on state broadcasting likely to impact on Tonga election, says journalist". [[Radio New Zealand International]].
18. (24 April 2008). "TUIHAANGANA LOSES SEAT IN TONGA NOBLES RACE". Pacific Islands Report.