29 November 2010 Media Statement

Tongan people hungry for democracy

The historic Tongan election result last week clearly signals that the people of Tonga have spoken and are hungry for a democratic government by the people, of the people, for the people, says Labour’s Pacific Island Affairs spokesperson Su’a William Sio.

Su’a William Sio said it had been reported that most electorates have been won by the People’s Representatives who are members of the pro-democracy movement, the Paati Temokalati ‘a e ‘Otu Motu ‘Anga’ofa, led by Akalisi Pohiva from the village of Sopu ‘o Taufa’ahau, who won his constituency of Tongatapu 1 convincingly.

“This is a significant milestone in the history of Tonga. Full credit is due to the people of Tonga who have been involved in bringing about this change, including King George Tupou V.

“The reports I’ve received from people on the ground indicate the voter turnout was close to 90 percent of registered voters in the 10 Tongatapu constituencies. Similar turnout results have been reported from the outer island constituencies of Eua, Ha’apai, Vavau and Ongo Niua,” Su’a William Sio said.

“The 2010 general elections has been a significant event in the history of Tongan politics, and I know many Tongan families in New Zealand are anxiously awaiting the formation of a new Tongan Government.

“The new Tongan Government will usher in an era of change and will be the first step in the hard road ahead of Tongan nation building,” Su’a William Sio said.

“Change of this nature, after such a long hard bumpy road of advocacy, is always difficult, but the people of Tonga have spoken. They are ready to move forward.”

ENDS

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