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
editThe 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
edit| 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
edit- ^ a b c Tongan Women Missed Their Vote Pacific Islands Monthly, July 1954, p90
- ^ a b New Tongan Parliament Elected Pacific Islands Monthly, June 1948, p74
- ^ Tonga Elects New Parliament: History of the Growth of Democracy Recalled Pacific Islands Monthly, July 1948, pp21–22