Former Tongatapu 2 MP Dr Pingi Fasi, also known by the name ‘Uhilamoelangi, is notably absent from the list of candidates for the constituency’s upcoming by-election, despite being the person whose successful legal challenge led to the removal of former MP Sēmisi Sika and ultimately triggered the poll.
The Electoral Commission of Tonga has announced nine candidates for Tongatapu 2 and five for ʻOngo Niua 17 after nominations for the two parliamentary by-elections closed.
Fasi brought the election petition against Sika, accusing him of bribery in connection with the election. The court subsequently convicted Sika of bribery, resulting in his removal from Parliament and paving the way for the by-election.
However, Fasi’s name does not appear among the nine candidates confirmed by the Electoral Commission to contest the vacant seat.
The Commission’s announcement did not give any reason why Fasi was not standing, and it was not immediately clear whether he had decided against contesting the by-election or whether other circumstances were involved.
While Fasi will not contest the seat, Sika’s younger brother, Alvin Lafu Sika of Haveluloto, is among the nine candidates confirmed for the Tongatapu 2 by-election.
His candidacy adds another dimension to the contest, with a member of Sēmisi Sika’s family now seeking the parliamentary seat left vacant following his removal.
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Nine candidates for Tongatapu 2
The Electoral Commission confirmed the following candidates for Tongatapu 2:
- Mounu Uaisele, Kolofōʻou
- Malakai Matafonuafoʻou ʻOfa ki Wakawaka Koloamatangi, Kolofōʻou
- Alvin Lafu Sika, Haveluloto
- ʻOlioni Manoa, Haveluloto
- Samiuela Vea, Kolofōʻou
- Mele Teusivi ʻAmanaki, Fanga ʻo Pilolevu
- Lei Paasi, Haveluloto
- ʻIlaisa Lepolo Taunisila, Fanga ʻo Pilolevu
- Sione Harvard Tupouniua, Kolofōʻou
Five candidates for ʻOngo Niua 17
The ʻOngo Niua 17 by-election was also triggered by the removal of its former MP, Lātaifāingataʻa Tangimana, after he was convicted of bribery. His conviction resulted in the parliamentary seat becoming vacant, requiring voters in the constituency to return to the polls.
Five candidates have meanwhile been confirmed for the ʻOngo Niua 17 by-election:
- Sitiveni Selui, Vaipoa
- ʻAisake Hoatatau Finau, Vaipoa
- Sione Tuifio Hui, Falehau
- Paea ʻI Vaha Filimoehala, ʻEsia
- ʻAminiasi Tonga Pauʻu Tangimana, Falehau
The Electoral Commission said the final electoral roll for the by-elections is expected to be completed on September 23.
Polling for both constituencies is scheduled for Thursday, October 8, 2026, from 9am until 4pm.
