Tokelau flag Photo: kunilanskap/123RF
The results of the 2026 Tokelau general election have been returned, after voters went to the polls on on Thursday. The results were announced by Tino Vitale, the General Manager for Tokelau's National Office in Apia.
Voting took place on Nukunonu, Atafu, Fakaofo and also in Apia, to assist the number of Tokelauan voters who live in Samoa.
The position of the Ulu o Tokelau, Head of Government, rotates among the three Faipule, the elected leaders of each of the three atolls.
Ulu-o-Tokelau 2025 Esera Fofō Filipo Tuisano smiles during gifting ceremony. Photo: Supplied/ Elena Pasilio
The next Ulu o Tokelau, Alapati Pita Tavite of Nukunonu, will assume that role next month when the Fono Fakamua, Tokelauan Parliament, meets. He replaces Esera Fofō Tuisano, the current Ulu o Tokelau.
The 2026 general election results are:
Atafu
Atafu atoll in Tokelau. Photo: Fatu Tauafiafi
- Faipule: Kelihiano Kalolo
- Pulenuku: Malala Lafaialii
- Hui Taupulega 1: Tile Elia
- Hui Taupulega 2: Stanley Lopa
- Hui Taupulega 3: Heluka Sirila
- Hui Taulelea: Tepapa Tom Ioane
- Hui Fatupaepae: Latu Lopa
Nukunonu
Field trip for school kids in Nukunonu Photo: Elena Pasilio
- Faipule: Alapati Pita Tavite
- Pulenuku: Petelo Patelesio
- Hui Taupulega 1: Aleki Sakalia
- Hui Taupulega 2: Viliamu Iosefo
- Hui Taulelea: Tufala Tavite
- Hui Fatupaepae: Suliana Pahina
Fakaofo
Fakaofo atoll in Tokelau Photo: Elena Pasilio
- Faipule: Esera Fofō Tuisano
- Pulenuku: Feleti Tulafono
- Hui Taupulega: Kaio Isaako
- Hui Taulelea 1: Palelei Sili
- Hui Taulelea 2: Tulafono Tulafono
- Hui Fatupaepae 1: Malia Pue
- Hui Fatupaepae 2: Elisapeta Helepa Vavega
The election coincides with a historic anniversary for Tokelau, 100 years since Tokelau became a territory of New Zealand. The New Zealand Navy vessel, Canterbury, will visit Tokelau's three atolls to mark the centenary on 11 February.
Aboard the ship is New Zealand's Governor-General, Dame Cindy Kiro, as well as staff from various government agencies and an officer from the Tokelauan National Disaster Management Office.
