Tonga

A fuel shortage on the eve of the general election highlights a variety of challenges Tongans are juggling as they prepare to head to the polls.

The Women and Children's Crisis Centre in Tonga is calling for a stronger female voice in the kingdom's parliament, as only eight women are confirmed to contest the polls next week.

In 2010 - the first election following the kingdom's constitutional reforms - voter participation peaked at 91 percent. But in last election in 2021, voter participation was just 62 percent.

Tongans will head to the polls on 20 November. Audio

Experts say the move could unlock productivity but implementation, infrastructure, and market compliance will be critical for success.

In 1953 Queen Sālote of Tonga visited England for Queen Elizabeth the Second's Coronation. The visit is remembered in a large black tapa work - a royal Tongan specialty.

Under Tonga's Electoral Act, only in-person voting at polling stations within Tonga is allowed. There are no provisions for postal, absentee, or overseas voting.

Pesi Siale Fonua, a veteran Pacific journalist and the publisher-editor of Tonga's leading news website has died at the age of 78.

Registration of candidates closed in Nuku'alofa on Thursday.

Tongans will go to the polls on 20 November to elect their 17 representatives in the Legislative Assembly.

However, his predecessor denies the allegations, saying audited government accounts for 2022/23 and 2023/24 show no findings of fraud or misappropriation.

The island's electoral office is waiting for the writ of election from King Tupou VI, which is expected to be received on Thursday.