Supervisor of Elections/ CEO Mr. Sam Vao says the future of Tonga depends on young people making their voices heard at the ballot box.
Nuku’alofa, Tonga — As Tonga prepares for the upcoming by-elections, Supervisor of Elections and CEO of the Tonga Electoral Commission, Mr. Sam Vao, has issued a strong message to the Kingdom’s young people: their voices matter, and they must use their votes.
In an exclusive interview with the Tonga Chronicle, Mr. Vao highlighted youth participation as one of the most important issues facing Tonga’s democratic process.
He expressed concern that a significant number of young people do not participate in elections and said more needs to be done to educate the younger generation about the importance of voting and their role in democracy.
His message was direct:
“Democracy is who the people choose.”
Mr. Vao said young people need to understand that voting is not simply a right, but an opportunity to have their voices heard and to participate in determining the future leadership and direction of the Kingdom.
“THE YOUTH ARE THE FUTURE OF OUR KINGDOM”
Mr. Vao stressed that young people are the future of Tonga and therefore must understand the importance of participating in the democratic process.
He said the voices of young Tongans should not be absent when decisions are being made about the future of their country.
For him, democracy ultimately comes down to the people making their choice.
FROM VOTERS TO FUTURE ELECTION OBSERVERS
Mr. Vao also sees an opportunity to involve young people beyond simply casting their ballots.
He said Form 6 and Form 7 students could be trained as election observers in future elections, giving them first-hand experience of how elections are conducted.
He believes this type of education could help develop a stronger understanding among young people of the importance of elections, transparency and public participation.
ELECTORAL COMMISSION READY FOR OCTOBER
Mr. Vao’s call for greater youth participation comes as the Tonga Electoral Commission prepares for three important elections.
The Tongatapu 2 and Niua 17 by-elections are confirmed for Thursday, 8 October 2026, while the election for the Town Officer of Tu’anekivale in Vava’u will be held on Thursday, 1 October 2026.
Mr. Vao confirmed that many people have already registered as candidates for the Tongatapu 2 by-election.
He said the Commission has also worked hard to provide candidates with comprehensive information packages outlining the requirements and responsibilities involved in contesting an election.
The aim, he explained, is to ensure candidates understand the electoral rules and procedures and to help prevent situations that could result in another by-election.
A SMALL TEAM TAKING ON A BIG RESPONSIBILITY
The preparations are taking place despite significant financial and staffing challenges.
Mr. Vao said the 2026 Government Budget did not specifically provide for the upcoming by-elections, while the Commission’s existing funding is barely enough to cover staff wages.
Despite this, the Commission’s team has pledged to take on the responsibility of delivering the elections.
The Electoral Commission currently has only five staff members, and Mr. Vao said there are plans to recruit additional staff in the future.
NIUA ELECTION TO BE MONITORED FROM TONGATAPU
The Niua 17 by-election will be conducted in the Niua Islands, while the Electoral Commission will monitor the process from its office in Ma’ufanga.
Mr. Vao explained that unreliable aircraft and boat schedules make travel to the Niua Islands difficult for the Commission.
Despite these challenges, he said arrangements are being made to ensure the election is properly monitored.
OBSERVERS AND THE INTEGRITY OF ELECTIONS
Mr. Vao also emphasised the importance of independent observers in maintaining confidence and integrity throughout the electoral process.
Observers have included overseas diplomats, including the Ambassador of China and representatives from other diplomatic missions.
He said the involvement of observers provides an important layer of transparency and helps strengthen public confidence in the conduct of elections.
THE NEXT GENERATION OF DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPANTS
For Mr. Vao, however, the future of Tonga’s democracy ultimately rests with the next generation.
His call for young people to vote goes beyond the October by-elections. It is a call for greater civic awareness and participation among Tonga’s youth.
With young people representing the future of the Kingdom, he believes they must understand that their decisions, their participation and their votes can shape the Tonga they will inherit.
Tonga Chronicle will continue with the second segment of our exclusive interview with Supervisor of Elections and CEO Mr. Sam Vao, covering voter transfers, bribery laws, electoral offences and why Tonga’s electoral laws do not always align with traditional Tongan customs and cultural practices.
