1948 Tongan general election
General elections were held in Tonga in May 1948.[1]
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| This article is part of a series on the politics and government of Tonga |
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Electoral system
The Legislative Assembly had seven directly-elected members; three representing Tongatapu and nearby islands, two representing Haʻapai and two representing Vavaʻu and nearby islands.[1] A further seven members were elected by the nobility,[1] seven ministers (including the governors of Haʻapai and Vavaʻu) and a Speaker chosen by the monarch, Sālote Tupou III.[2]
A new electoral law introduced in 1947 required candidates to be nominated by at least 30 voters and introduced an election deposit of £5, which would be lost if a candidate received less than 20% of the vote.[2]
Campaign
A total of 29 candidates contested the seven directly-elected seats; twelve in Vavaʻu, ten in Tongatapu and seven in Haʻapai.[1]
Results
Molitoni Finau was elected as the most-voted for candidate in Tongatapu.[1]
| Constituency | Elected members | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Haʻapai | V.L. Tu'akihekolo | |
| P. Vi | Re-elected | |
| Tongatapu | Molitoni Finau | Re-elected |
| S. Lino | Re-elected | |
| H. Vete | ||
| Vavaʻu | P. Afuha'amango | |
| Viliami Molofaha | Re-elected | |
| Source: Pacific Islands Monthly | ||
References
- 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
