women candidates

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.

Last month parliament was dissolved by royal decree and early elections were called, a year ahead of schedule.

The elections are due to be held by November the 16th.

The Civil Society Forum said the short lead-in time could hamper women candidates who need more encouragement and preparation because of cultural restrictions.

But 'Ofa Guttenbeil-Likiliki said it could actually work in their favour.

The Forum's Executive Director, 'Emeline 'Ilolahia, has been part of a group encouraging women to stand in both local and national elections and has lobbied for greater representation in parliament.

However, Ms 'Ilolahia said because elections have to be held by November instead of next year, as originally planned, their scheduled work towards encouraging and educating had not been done yet.

She said it normally took time to get women involved.

And according to results released from Tonga Electoral Commission to the Women’s Division, two women have been successfully elected – the first ever female District Officer from ‘Eua (‘Eua Motu’a District) out of the two District Officers, Sisifa Fili and the first ever female Town Officer for Tongatapu from Havelu, Vika Kaufusi.

Another four other women were placed second position, one for District Officer (Hihifo District, Vava’u) and three for Town Officer (Ha’alalo&Ha’atafu, Tongatapu and Matamaka, Vava’u).