Tongans go to the polls on Thursday and for the first time ordinary people will vote for most of the MPs.
The system has previously been dominated by the King and nobility.
Members of the Tongan community in New Zealand hope the election will lead to a stable government being formed.
A senior member of Auckland's Tongan community, Loloma Afeaki, says people want a stable government that would look at problems in the economy, health and welfare.
Tongan democracy activist Kalino Latu says many want the new government and the King to be more accountable.
Mr Latu says people have been waiting a long time to have their say and believes voter turnout will be high.
