Siaosi Pohiva has declared victory in the Tongatapu 1 by-election after he secured the democrats’ seat over his opponent Dr Netatua Pelesikoti Taufatofua by 16 votes.
Siaosi won 1160 votes against 1144 for Dr Taufatofua.
The election was held to fill the vacancy left by the death of former Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva, Siaosi’s father.
Dr Taufatofua lost to the former Prime Minister in 2017. ‘Akilisi won it by 1376 votes.
Siaosi is an educational assessment specialist who has worked for the Secretariat of the Pacific Community.
A total of 4,382 voters have registered for the election.
This is 126 more than registered for the general election in 2017.
By-election results:
| Siaosi ‘O Vailahi Pohiva | Dr Netatua Pelesikoti Taufatofua | |
| Longolongo | 239 | 270 |
| Halavave | 253 | 153 |
| Sopu ‘O Taufa | 312 | 111 |
| Kolomotu’a | 222 | 454 |
| Tongataeapa | 102 | 134 |
| Ha’apai | 14 | 6 |
| Vava’u | 11 | 10 |
| Eua | 4 | 5 |
| Niuafoou | 1 | 0 |
| Niuatoputapu | 2 | 1 |
| TOTAL | 1160 | 1144 |
