New Zealand High Commissioner Sarah Walsh has confirmed that New Zealand will contribute T$202,000 to support preparations for Tonga’s November 2017 General Election, as requested by the Government of Tonga.
“The funding will go towards printing of the electoral roll and ballot papers, public awareness advertising and broadcasting, travel and training for election officials, and hiring of venues for polling stations” said Ms Walsh.
The New Zealand contribution came after former Foreign Affairs Minister Gerry Brownlee said the government will provide assistance to Tonga’s election “to ensure they have as efficient and fair and free election as they can.”
Paperwork for the election was expected to be distributed to the outer islands next week, the Election Commission said.
Tonga will go to the polls on November 16.
