1990 Tongan general election

Politics of Tonga
Constitution
Monarchy King Tupou VI Crown Prince Tupoutoʻa ʻUlukalala Succession Privy Council
Executive Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni Deputy Prime Minister Vacant Cabinet
Legislative Legislative Assembly Speaker: Lord Fakafanua Members
Judiciary Court of Appeal Supreme Court
Elections Recent elections (constituencies) General: 2025 Political parties Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands (DPFI) People's Democratic Party (PDP)
Administrative divisions
Foreign relations Ministry of Foreign Affairs Minister: Fekitamoeloa ʻUtoikamanu Diplomatic missions of / in Tonga Nationality law Passport Visa requirements Visa policy
Other countries
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General elections were held in Tonga on 14 and 15 February 1990 to elect members of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga. Nine nobles and nine people's representatives were elected. Seven of the latter favoured democratic reform.^[1] Voter turnout was 65.4%.^[1]

Background

The 1987 Tongan general election saw the election of Laki Niu and ʻAkilisi Pōhiva and an increased focus on accountability for the government, particularly in the areas of parliamentary allowances, passport sales, and financial management.^[2] After a series of evasive Ministerial answers and Ministers using international travel to avoid being questioned entirely, in September 1989 all the elected People's Representatives walked out, returning only when they would have forfeited their seats.^{[2]: 359–360} On their return, they introduced motions calling for a reduction in the number of Noble Representatives and an increase in the number of People's Representatives. The first was voted down, and the second subsequently withdrawn.^[2]: 360

Campaign

Parliament was closed on 29 October 1989.