election candidate

The broadcast journalist Katalina Tohi is among 15 women standing in the election next Thursday.

Over the past few years, women's groups have lobbied for temporary seats to be set aside for women in an effort to boost their representation rates.

There was only one female MP in the 26 seat parliament last term and only eight in total since 1951.

Those looking for greater representation suggest women need to be confident in voting for their own.

But Mrs Tohi said she wanted to be elected for being the best candidate available.

Samiu Vaipulu, who served as deputy prime minister between 2010 and 2014, is seeking re-election as a Vava'u representative.

The elections on November the 16th come a year early because of the royal dissolution of parliament, which occurred over allegations the government was acting unconstitutionally and trying to gather power for itself.

RNZI reports during last month's national dialogue on democracy there was discussion about who holds authority and power.