Candidates

This is on top of one of the shortest candidate lists in Tongan history - at 75.

But one candidate has since died and another two have stepped aside to help their colleagues.

RNZ Pacific's correspondent in Tonga, Kalafi Moala, said seven candidates have PhDs, which shows how young and educated the candidates are.

"Very youthful, a number that are between 40 and 50, and then a number who are highly educated and some who have tremendous experience, working either overseas or in Tonga.

They are Mr Pohiva's eldest son, Siaosi, and noted scientist Netatua Prescott Taufatofua.

'Akilisi Pohiva held the Tongatapu seat of Kolomotu'a for 32 years, often winning by huge margins.

Our correspondent in Tonga says Siaosi Pohiva will contest the November 28 by-election on the same plank his father used -- advocating for transparency and good governance.

Kalafi Moala says Ms Taufatofua is promising action on long ignored local issues.

Kaniva News reports the election date had been changed and Tongan voters will now go to the polls in two months’ time.

Tonga’s elections laws required all potential candidates who wanted to register to be in Tonga on a certain period of time before the election began.

This is what the law says:  “Provided that a person resident outside of Tonga who is qualified to be an elector will qualify as a candidate only if he is present in Tonga for a period of 3 months before the election.”