The Tonga Electoral Commission has officially appointed Mr Samuiela Vao as the new Supervisor of Elections and Chief Executive Officer, marking a key leadership change in the administration of the country’s electoral system.
The appointment, which took effect on May 8, 2026, follows a formal selection process, the Commission said in a statement released on Friday.
Mr Vao, 37, is no stranger to the role, having previously served as the Acting Supervisor of Elections after the retirement of former Supervisor Mr. Pita Vuki. His confirmation to the position signals continuity within the Commission’s leadership.
In his new role, Mr Vao will be responsible for overseeing the Electoral Commission’s administration, carrying out statutory duties under the Tonga Electoral Act, and advising commissioners on electoral matters.
The Commission said it expects Mr Vao to deliver “trustworthy services” to the people of Tonga and uphold the integrity of the electoral process.
The appointment comes as Tonga continues to strengthen its democratic institutions, with the Electoral Commission playing a central role in ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections across the Kingdom.
The Board of Commissioners extended its best wishes to Mr Vao as he assumes his new position.
