They Clowned Their
p. 35 · Read in the full issue
Man To Victory
Nearly 40,000 voters in Tongatapu, Haapai and Vavau turned out in force in May to elect seven People’s Representatives to the Tongan Legislative Assembly. Candidates staged kava parties, courted groups of workers and made special trips to the outer islands to win votes.
Many would-be MP’s had pictures of themselves and their policies paraded around the streets, particularly around Nukualofa.
The three Tongatapu winners were Tuilatai Mataele ( 6,112 votes), Vili Ahio Vaipulu (5,996) and Sekonaia Tuakoi (4,245). Vavau winners were Masao Paasi (1,829) and Lataipouono Niusini (1,731) and Haapai winners were Latunipulu Unga (1,385) and Tevita Sale Taufa (1,243).
Unsuccessful in their bid for re-election were Tonga tapu rep. S. Lopoi Tupou and Haapai reps. Lopeti Tofaimalaealoa Ramsey and Pousima Afeaki.
The successful candidates will serve for three-year terms.
Mataele, a stevedore at the Queen Salote Wharf, was an MP from 1963-65. Two weeks before election he had 2,000 “Vote for Mataele” posters placed on the sides of cars, buses and buildings.
Some of his supporters, dressed as clowns, paraded with his poster (see right). —Photo: Tony Patsky.