The parliamentary seat of the Nobles' Representative of Niuatoputapu and Niuafo'ou in the Legislative Assembly of Tonga, held by Lord Fusitu'a, is vacant as of yesterday, 6 August 2020. This is by operation of law as per section 7 of the Legislative Assembly Act. The provision requires a Member of Parliament not to be absent from the Assembly for more than 12 consecutive calendar months. If a Member is absent from the Assembly for more than 12 consecutive calendar months, his tenure as a Member shall end and the seat will become vacant. Lord Fusitu'a has been absent from meetings of the Assembly since 5 August 2019.
Due to the vacancy in the seat for the Nobles' Representative of Niuatoputapu and Niuafo'ou in the Legislative Assembly of Tonga, a by-election is to be held to elect a new Representative. The Lord Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Lord Fakafanua, has issued a writ for election of a successor to the Electoral Commission according to section 6 of the Legislative Assembly Act. The time and place for the by-election will be announced once it has been set by the Electoral Commission in consultation with the Lord Speaker.
The Legislative Assembly of Tonga recognises with deep appreciation the valuable contribution by Lord Fusitu'a to the work of the Assembly during his time as the Nobles' Representative of Niuatoputapu and Niuafo'ou in the Legislative Assembly of Tonga.
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Issued by the Chief Clerk of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga,
Office of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga,
Tonga National Center, Nuku'alofa.
Telephone: (676) 27912
Email: