11 Dec 2019

Complaint to overturn Tonga by-election result

From , 5:00 am on 11 December 2019

A group supporting the unsuccessful candidate in last month's by-election in Tonga has filed a formal complaint about the election process.

Netatua Taufatofua lost the election for the Tongatapu No 1 constituency to Siaosi Pohiva by just 16 votes.

A former candidate and newspaper editor, 'Eliesa Fifita, has formed the group, saying the Electoral Commission should void the result due to "overwhelming evidence of irregularities".

Our correspondent in Tonga, Kalafi Moala, told Don Wiseman more about the complaint.

Environmental scientist Netatua Pelesikoti Taufatofua is standing in the by-election for the constituency which was held by the late Prime Minister 'Akilisi Pohiva.

 Environmental scientist Netatua Taufatofua lost the election for the Tongatapu No 1 constituency to Siaosi Pohiva by just 16 votes. Photo: VNP / Daniela Maoate-Cox