26 Jan 2023

A first for Tokelau as all three atolls vote in same electoral process

12:33 pm on 26 January 2023
Early turn out for the 2023 Tokelau election was strong on Nukunonu.

Early voter turn out for the 2023 Tokelau election was strong on Nukunonu. Photo: Supplied/Elena Pasilio

It is election day in Tokelau, with the population of about 1400 voting across four electoral locations.

It is election day in Tokelau, with the population of of about 1400 voting across four electoral locations.

Voting opened at 9am and is due to close at 2pm according to a government spokesperson.

Stations were set up at the three atolls - Atafu, Fakaofo and Nukunonu - and in Samoa people from Tokelau placed their papers in boxes at a site in Apia.

Voters for the Tokelau election place their votes.

Voters for the Tokelau election place their votes on Nukunonu atoll. Photo: Supplied/Elena Pasilio

The roles being voted on are for Faipule or Cabinet Minister, Pulenuku or Mayor, Fafine or women's group member, Taulelea or men's group member, and General Fono delegates, with one person elected for each atoll.

The candidate list for the 2023 Tokelau election.

The candidate list for the 2023 Tokelau election. Photo: Supplied/Tokelau Government

The Taupulega, or Council of Elders, on Fakaofo atoll allocated three seats to be contested in this year's election.

But with only three candidates confirmed there was no election for the Fakaofo Taupulega seats.

Voter turnout was reported to be strong in Nukunonu this morning.

This is the first time in Tokelau's history that all three atolls have taken part in the same electoral process with Nukunonu elders opting out previously.

But a government spokesperson said that has changed this year with Nukunonu candidates now allowed to put their hand up for multiple positions.

In Tokelau the head of government is the Ulu o Tokelau but they are elected at a separate time through a different process.

Tokelau is a realm nation of New Zealand and also has an administrator but the New Zealand government says it respects the traditional governance structures that are "integral to community life in Tokelau".

Nukunonu voters are happy to be out and about on election day in Tokelau.

Nukunonu voters are happy to be out and about on election day in Tokelau. Photo: Supplied/Elena Pasilio

Nukunonu residents head to the polls. The roles being voted on are Faipule or Cabinet Minister, Pulenuku or Mayor, Fafine or women's group member, Taulelea or men's group member and General Fono delegates.

Nukunonu residents head to the polls. The roles being voted on are Faipule or Cabinet Minister, Pulenuku or Mayor, Fafine or women's group member, Taulelea or men's group member and General Fono delegates. Photo: Supplied/Elena Pasilio

Fakaofo residents votes in the 2023 Tokelau election.

Fakaofo residents votes in the 2023 Tokelau election. Photo: Supplied/Salani Pita

Tokelau residents on election day on Atafu.

Tokelau residents on election day on Atafu. Photo: Supplied/Tokelau Government