2026 Niuean general election
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2 May 2026
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General elections were held in Niue on 2 May 2026. It was officially called by speaker Hima Douglas on 11 March 2026.[1][2] The candidates list was announced on 16 April.[3] Key issues in the island territory during the 2026 general election included rising grocery and fuel prices, and frequent power outages.[4]
Background
[edit]The 2023 elections saw three of the common-roll seats go to newcomers, with initial results indicating that the final seat would be decided by a coin-toss.[5] The final results on 3 May did not show a tie, with Sonya Talagi winning the last seat on the common roll by two votes.[6] Six candidates, including Premier Dalton Tagelagi, were elected unopposed.[7] Six women were elected.[8] Three sitting MPs were unseated.[9] In a secret ballot, the Assembly re-elected Dalton Tagelagi as Premier in a 16-4 vote against O'Love Jacobsen.[10] Tagelagi appointed his Cabinet on 12 May, the first gender-balanced Cabinet in Niuean history.[11][12]
Four constitutional amendments advanced through the Assembly in 2024, which included proposals to change the title of premier, increasing the cabinet from four to six members, extending the term of the Assembly to four years from three years, and identifying the Auditor-General of New Zealand as the country's official auditor.[13] The first reading of the constitutional amendment bills took place in March 2024, with the Assembly voting in favour of all four. Although Premier Dalton Tagelagi had proposed proceeding directly to a second reading, the Assembly referred the bills to the Constitution Review Committee.[14] The second reading was approved in May.[15] This was followed by a mandatory 13-week period during which public consultations took place.[15] Following consultations in 13 of the 14 villages, the bills passed their third reading in early August.[16] After two amendments were approved by voters on 31 August 2024, Assembly Speaker Hima Douglas officially signed the two approved amendments into law on 3 September.[17][18] Douglas would remark that the approval of the Auditor-General amendment would assist in helping parliamentary committees focus attention on important domestic issues.[19]
On 3 June 2024, New Zealand's prime minister Christopher Luxon stated that the nation of Niue will be able to generate 80% of its electricity from renewable sources following a pledged investment of $20.5 million, while $2 million was also committed by New Zealand to Niue's Ocean Wide Trust (NOW) to ensure long-term climate resiliency.[20] During the celebration of the 50th anniversary of self-government in October 2024, prime minister Tagelagi highlighted the various developments that have taken place in the various sectors of health, education, conservation, and the arts.[21] On 8 November 2024, Tagelagi announced a cabinet reshuffle.[22] Germany would recognise Niue as a sovereign state on 3 February 2026 following a meeting between Tagelagi and German foreign minister Johann Wadephul, establishing regional cooperation relating to climate change.[23] Tagelagi would propose a meeting with the Realm of New Zealand on 4 February 2026, while also signaling that he may seek one more term as prime minister before stepping away from politics.[24] Assembly Speaker Douglas, who retained the speakership in 2023,[25] announced his retirement from speakership ahead of the 2026 election.[2]
Electoral system
[edit]The 20 members of the assembly are elected by two methods; 14 are elected from single-member consistencies using first-past-the-post voting and six are elected from a single nationwide constituency by multiple non-transferable vote.[26][4] There are currently no political parties. After the election, the members of the assembly elect a speaker from outside parliament, and a prime minister, who must be an MP. The prime minister then chooses a cabinet.[4]
After 2023, candidates seeking nomination must now pay a fee of NZ$200.[27]
Campaign
[edit]The campaign period officially began following the dissolution of the Assembly on 27 March 2026.[2] Economic pressure remained the main concern for Niueans, as the prices of groceries and fuel rose and electricity outages became frequent.[28] Secondary issues included the brain drain affecting the nation, pressure on essential services such as healthcare and transport, and climate resilience.[2] Incumbent prime minister Dalton Tagelagi stated that his final term, if elected, would focus on implementing projects including a new justice building in Alofi and a $9 million Asian Development Bank project to expand aged care into a retirement village, along with conducting feasibility studies on wharf upgrades and a disaster response warehouse.[28] 26 candidates contested village representatives seats, while 18 candidates ran for the common roll seats.[4] In April 2026, Tagelagi's cabinet confirmed that fuel prices would be increased in stages, with a potential 150% jump in costs by June, while also urging Niueans to use fuel wisely and not to panic buy.[29][30] Petrol prices soared to NZ$3.80 per litre, especially in the aftermath of the 2026 Iran war.[31] 10 common roll candidates addressed the township during a village meeting in Alofi South, while another forum was hosted by alumni of the University of the South Pacific at the Matavai Resort, where candidates presented their long-term visions for the nation.[31] Tagelagi contested his village seat of Alofi South, while also acknowledging the current challenges facing Niue during the campaign.[4] Results that come from Alofi South will both determine whether Tagelagi will keep his seat and who is able to form a majority to lead the 19th Niue Assembly.[31]
Conduct
[edit]Advance voting was conducted on 1 May 2026, and polling booths on election day will be open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm local time (UTC−11:00).[32] Preliminary results will be available live from 7:00 pm, and official results are expected to be declared on 6 May 2026.[32]
Results
[edit]Preliminary results that were disclosed on 3 May 2026 indicated that the majority of incumbents returned to the Assembly.[33][34] Emani Fakaotimanava-Lui, Sonya Talagi and Sinahemana Hekau were re-elected through the common roll, while Robert BJ Rex, Moira Enetama, and Richmond Lisimoni-Togahai were newly elected.[33] Finance minister Crossley Tatui, Billy Talagi, and O'Love Jacobsen all lost their common roll seats.[35] Tutuli Heka in Alofi North, Richie Mautama in Hakupu, Silepea Sione in Namukulu, and Talaititama Talaiti in Vaiea were re-elected unopposed.[33] Several other ministers and village representatives returned to the Assembly, including Ian Hipa in Hikutavake, Logopati Seumanu in Liku, Rhonda Tiakia in Lakepa, Maureen Melekitama in Mutalau, and Dion Taufitu in Toi.[33] Incumbent prime minister Dalton Tagelagi was narrowly re-elected in Alofi South by one vote, defeating his challenger Alana Rex.[33][34] In Tamakautoga, incumbent Ricky Makani lost his seat to newcomer Hiki Puheke, while in Avatele, Pita Vakanofiti was unseated by Hetututama Hetutu.[33][35] A record number of seven women were elected to the Assembly.[36]
Common roll
[edit]| Candidate | Votes | % | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Robert Leslie Rex | 561 | 11.04 | Elected |
| Moira Enetama | 507 | 9.97 | Elected |
| Richmond Lisimoni-Togahai | 358 | 7.04 | Elected |
| Emani Fakaotimanava-Lui (i) | 325 | 6.39 | Re-elected |
| Sonya Talagi (i) | 316 | 6.22 | Re-elected |
| Sinahemana Hekau (i) | 304 | 5.98 | Re-elected |
| James Douglas | 297 | 5.84 | |
| Matagi Vilitama | 295 | 5.80 | |
| Crossley Tatui (i) | 294 | 5.78 | Unseated |
| O'Love Jacobsen (i) | 282 | 5.55 | Unseated |
| Stanley Kalauni | 276 | 5.43 | |
| Billy Talagi (i) | 266 | 5.23 | Unseated |
| Dempster Tomailuga | 242 | 4.76 | |
| Esther Pavihi | 227 | 4.47 | |
| Terry Coe | 197 | 3.88 | |
| Tom Misikea | 152 | 2.99 | |
| Rosa Togahai | 118 | 2.32 | |
| Sioneheke Leolahi | 66 | 1.30 | |
| Total | 5,083 | 100.00 | |
| Source: Broadcasting Corporation of Niue[37] | |||
By constituency
[edit]| Candidate | Alofi North | Alofi South | Avatele | Hakupu | Hikutavake | Lakepa | Liku | Makefu | Mutalau | Namukulu | Tamakautoga | Toi | Tuapa | Vaiea |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robert Leslie Rex | 62 | 157 | 41 | 49 | 10 | 34 | 34 | 30 | 34 | 2 | 44 | 15 | 36 | 13 |
| Moira Enetama | 52 | 113 | 34 | 45 | 11 | 53 | 30 | 26 | 36 | 7 | 29 | 12 | 42 | 17 |
| Richmond Lisimoni-Togahai | 31 | 87 | 35 | 44 | 13 | 23 | 16 | 12 | 24 | 5 | 17 | 7 | 39 | 5 |
| Emani Fakaotimanava-Lui | 62 | 98 | 17 | 11 | 9 | 24 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 3 | 14 | 8 | 29 | 13 |
| Sonya Talagi | 29 | 51 | 17 | 41 | 12 | 18 | 18 | 22 | 23 | 6 | 18 | 12 | 40 | 9 |
| Sinahemana Hekau | 30 | 78 | 19 | 19 | 8 | 22 | 25 | 16 | 14 | 4 | 28 | 14 | 15 | 12 |
| James Douglas | 27 | 59 | 45 | 21 | 7 | 13 | 21 | 11 | 15 | 1 | 39 | 7 | 17 | 14 |
| Matagi Vilitama | 22 | 56 | 23 | 29 | 4 | 20 | 13 | 15 | 37 | 3 | 24 | 10 | 27 | 12 |
| Crossley Tatui | 22 | 48 | 22 | 86 | 4 | 18 | 15 | 8 | 12 | 2 | 21 | 8 | 19 | 9 |
| O'Love Jacobsen | 31 | 85 | 23 | 14 | 5 | 7 | 21 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 28 | 7 | 21 | 23 |
| Stanley Kalauni | 41 | 69 | 11 | 23 | 13 | 14 | 25 | 13 | 9 | 2 | 8 | 7 | 31 | 10 |
| Billy Talagi | 16 | 58 | 47 | 22 | 8 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 10 | 2 | 26 | 3 | 27 | 9 |
| Dempster Tomailuga | 21 | 55 | 9 | 46 | 9 | 12 | 18 | 8 | 16 | 0 | 16 | 4 | 22 | 6 |
| Esther Pavihi | 16 | 53 | 31 | 8 | 6 | 24 | 6 | 9 | 6 | 3 | 20 | 7 | 32 | 6 |
| Terry Coe | 17 | 52 | 13 | 8 | 7 | 10 | 16 | 10 | 4 | 2 | 21 | 9 | 8 | 20 |
| Tom Misikea | 3 | 20 | 10 | 68 | 2 | 10 | 14 | 2 | 6 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 10 | 1 |
| Rosa Togahai | 6 | 42 | 8 | 5 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 8 | 6 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 18 | 0 |
| Sioneheke Leolahi | 9 | 16 | 3 | 12 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Total votes | 497 | 1,197 | 408 | 551 | 137 | 327 | 303 | 227 | 278 | 42 | 368 | 133 | 435 | 180 |
| Source: Broadcasting Corporation of Niue[37] | ||||||||||||||
Constituencies
[edit]| Constituency | Candidate | Votes | % | Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alofi North | Tutuli Heka | – | – | Re-elected unopposed |
| Alofi South | Dalton Tagelagi | 111 | 50.23 | Re-elected |
| Alana Rex | 110 | 49.77 | ||
| Total | 221 | 100.00 | ||
| Valid votes | 221 | 97.79 | ||
| Invalid/blank votes | 5 | 2.21 | ||
| Total votes | 226 | 100.00 | ||
| Avatele | Hetututama Hetutu | 41 | 56.94 | Elected |
| Pita Vakanofiti | 31 | 43.06 | Unseated | |
| Total | 72 | 100.00 | ||
| Valid votes | 72 | 96.00 | ||
| Invalid/blank votes | 3 | 4.00 | ||
| Total votes | 75 | 100.00 | ||
| Hakupu | Richie Mautama | – | – | Re-elected unopposed |
| Hikutavake | Ian Hipa | 14 | 60.87 | Re-elected |
| Opili Talafasi | 9 | 39.13 | ||
| Total | 23 | 100.00 | ||
| Valid votes | 23 | 100.00 | ||
| Invalid/blank votes | 0 | 0.00 | ||
| Total votes | 23 | 100.00 | ||
| Lakepa | Rhonda Tiakia | 43 | 69.35 | Re-elected |
| Charlotte Magatogia | 19 | 30.65 | ||
| Total | 62 | 100.00 | ||
| Valid votes | 62 | 96.88 | ||
| Invalid/blank votes | 2 | 3.12 | ||
| Total votes | 64 | 100.00 | ||
| Liku | Logopati Seumanu | 35 | 64.81 | Re-elected |
| Sionetasi Pulehetoa | 19 | 35.19 | ||
| Total | 54 | 100.00 | ||
| Valid votes | 54 | 100.00 | ||
| Invalid/blank votes | 0 | 0.00 | ||
| Total votes | 54 | 100.00 | ||
| Makefu | Tofua Puletama | 26 | 76.47 | Re-elected |
| Charlie Tohovaka | 8 | 23.53 | ||
| Total | 34 | 100.00 | ||
| Valid votes | 34 | 91.89 | ||
| Invalid/blank votes | 3 | 8.11 | ||
| Total votes | 37 | 100.00 | ||
| Mutalau | Maureen Melekitama | 24 | 53.33 | Re-elected |
| Pelenato Bourne | 17 | 37.78 | ||
| Makaseau Ioane | 4 | 8.89 | ||
| Total | 45 | 100.00 | ||
| Valid votes | 45 | 100.00 | ||
| Invalid/blank votes | 0 | 0.00 | ||
| Total votes | 45 | 100.00 | ||
| Namukulu | Silepea Sione | – | – | Re-elected unopposed |
| Tamakautoga | Hiki Puheke | 28 | 41.79 | Elected |
| Ricky Makani | 23 | 34.33 | Unseated | |
| Andrew Funaki | 16 | 23.88 | ||
| Total | 67 | 100.00 | ||
| Valid votes | 67 | 93.06 | ||
| Invalid/blank votes | 5 | 6.94 | ||
| Total votes | 72 | 100.00 | ||
| Toi | Dion Taufitu | 18 | 81.82 | Re-elected |
| Melealiva Kaulima | 4 | 18.18 | ||
| Total | 22 | 100.00 | ||
| Valid votes | 22 | 95.65 | ||
| Invalid/blank votes | 1 | 4.35 | ||
| Total votes | 23 | 100.00 | ||
| Tuapa | Mona Ainuu | 60 | 77.92 | Re-elected |
| Henry Eveni | 17 | 22.08 | ||
| Total | 77 | 100.00 | ||
| Valid votes | 77 | 100.00 | ||
| Invalid/blank votes | 0 | 0.00 | ||
| Total votes | 77 | 100.00 | ||
| Vaiea | Talaititama Talaiti | – | – | Re-elected unopposed |
References
[edit]- ^ Pavihi, Esther (2026-03-16). "General election on Saturday 2nd May". Television Niue. Archived from the original on 2 May 2026. Retrieved 2026-03-25.
Last week on Wednesday at the final sitting of the 18th Niue Assembly, the Speaker Hon. Hima Douglas announced that the assembly will be dissolved on the 27th of March and the general election will be held on Saturday May 2nd.
- ^ a b c d Rivers, Renate (30 March 2026). "Niue heads to the polls as leadership changes and challenges loom". Pacific Media Network. Archived from the original on 2 May 2026. Retrieved 2 May 2026.
The final sitting of the 18th Niue Assembly on 12 March. The dissolution of parliament came in to effect on 27 March, and elections have been set for 2 May.
- ^ "PUBLIC NOTICE From the Chief Electoral Officer – Niue 2026 General Elections". Facebook. Office of the Secretary of Government NIUE. 16 April 2026. Retrieved 17 April 2026.
- ^ a b c d e "Niuean voters head to the polls Saturday". RNZ Pacific. 28 April 2026. Archived from the original on 28 April 2026. Retrieved 30 April 2026.
- ^ Esther Pavihi (30 April 2023). "Several new members will be sworn in to the 18th Niue Legislative Assembly after the general election yesterday". TV Niue. Retrieved 1 May 2023.
Three of the six representatives from the common roll are newcomers along with three old timers returning in a gender balanced common roll pack, but first the decision must be made with a draw out of the hat for the name of sixth common roll member, between two newcomers Birtha Lisimoni-Togahai and Sonya Talagi.
- ^ Esther Pavihi (3 May 2023). "Sonya Talagi duly elected 6th Common Roll Member, while Lisimoni-Togahai has filed petition for a recount". TV Niue. Retrieved 3 May 2023.
After the recount yesterday those results changed, Sonya Talagi is the successful candidate as the sixth member of the common roll with 362 votes and Birtha Lisimoni-Togahai just lost out, ranked 7th with 360 votes.
- ^ Esther Pavihi (14 April 2023). "List of candidates for the 2023 General Elections released; Tagelagi duly elected with 5 others". TV Niue. Retrieved 14 April 2023.
- ^ "Six women MPs voted into Niue's parliament". RNZ. 2 May 2023. Retrieved 2 May 2023.
- ^ Esther Pavihi (1 May 2023). "Two long serving MPs Terry Coe and Opili Talafasi will not be returning to the next Niue Legislative Assembly". TV Niue. Retrieved 2 May 2023.
- ^ "Dalton Tagelagi re-elected premier of Niue". RNZ. 10 May 2023. Retrieved 10 May 2023.
- ^ "Dalton Tagelagi forms Niue's first gender-balanced Cabinet". RNZ. 15 May 2023. Retrieved 15 May 2023.
- ^ Esther Pavihi (12 May 2023). "Premier Tagelagi announce first gender- balanced Cabinet". TV Niue. Retrieved 15 May 2023.
- ^ "National referendum to decide on proposed amendments to Niue Constitution". PINA. 15 August 2024. Archived from the original on 22 August 2024. Retrieved 22 August 2024.
- ^ "Niue Constitution amendment bills pass first reading". PINA. 3 April 2024. Archived from the original on 15 September 2024. Retrieved 22 August 2024.
- ^ a b "Niue set for first Prime Minister as constitutional changes pass second reading". The New Zealand Herald. 7 May 2024. Archived from the original on 22 August 2024. Retrieved 22 August 2024.
- ^ "Niue Assembly pass the third and final reading of the Bills aimed at amending the Constitution of Niue". TV Niue. 9 August 2024.
- ^ "Official Results of the Niue Constitutional Amendment Referendum". Government of Niue. 3 September 2024. Archived from the original on 2 May 2026. Retrieved 1 May 2026.
Today, the Honourable Speaker of the Niue Assembly, Hon. Hima Douglas officially confirmed the referendum results and signed the two bills into effect. In his remarks, he highlighted the successful passing of the first and fourth bills. The title of the head of government in Niue will now be officially changed from "Premier" to "Prime Minister" and confirmed the successful passing of the fourth bill, changing the name of the "Audit Office" to the "Auditor General." The Speaker signed both bills alongside the Clerk to the Assembly, Mrs. Melissa Talagi-Douglas in the presence of members of the Constitution Review Committee, Cabinet Ministers, and government officials.
- ^ "Niueans reject proposals to increase Cabinet ministers to 6 and parliamentary term to 4yrs". RNZ. 5 September 2024. Archived from the original on 2 May 2026. Retrieved 1 May 2026.
They show two of the four bills were supported - changing the title of Premier to Prime Minister; and changing the name of the Audit Office to the Auditor General.
- ^ Vailala, 'Alakihihifo (28 November 2024). "'Constitution belongs to everybody'". Pacific Media Network. Archived from the original on 2 May 2026. Retrieved 1 May 2026.
- ^ Vailala, 'Alakihihifo (3 June 2024). "NZ invests $20.5m in Niue energy sector". Pacific Media Network. Archived from the original on 2 May 2026. Retrieved 2 May 2026.
- ^ "We must continue to work together to build a brighter future says PM Tagelagi during 50th Commemoration Speech". TV Niue. 22 October 2024. Retrieved 1 May 2026.
- ^ Pavihi, Esther (8 November 2024). "PM announces changes to ministerial portfolios". TV Niue. Retrieved 1 May 2026.
There will also be changes to the civil list with the removal of members assisting ministers and the creation of associate ministerial positions. The associate ministers will apply to the four current members of Cabinet with the Prime Minister and the three ministers taking on associate ministerial responsibilities to assist with each other's portfolios.
- ^ "Germany recognises Niue as a sovereign state by formalising diplomatic relations". Pacific Media Network. 3 February 2026. Archived from the original on 2 May 2026. Retrieved 2 May 2026.
- ^ Vailala, 'Alakihihifo (4 February 2026). "Niue PM calls for Realm leaders to discuss constitutional ties". Pacific Media Network. Archived from the original on 2 May 2026. Retrieved 2 May 2026.
- ^ Pavihi, Esther (9 May 2023). "Premier Dalton Tagelagi retains the premiership, Douglas returns as Speaker at the opening of the 18th Niue Legislative Assembly". TV Niue. Retrieved 3 May 2026.
Speaker Hima Douglas was nominated unopposed to retain the speakership, after which he proceeded to swear in the twenty members.
- ^ "Niue". IFES Election Guide.
- ^ Esther Pavihi (March 2023). "New changes in the lead-up to the 2023 general elections including $200 candidates nomination fee". TV Niue. Retrieved 14 April 2023.
- ^ a b Leatinu'u, Aui'a Vaimaila (24 April 2026). "The cost of living crisis shapes Niue election as voters seek economic relief at the polls". Pacific Media Network. Archived from the original on 2 May 2026. Retrieved 2 May 2026.
Tagelagi, who has led the country since June 2020, is contesting his village seat of Alofi South. He has acknowledged the challenges facing Niue.
- ^ "Niue's Fuel Shock: The government warns of 150 per cent price surge". Pacific Media Network. 3 May 2026. Archived from the original on 3 May 2026. Retrieved 3 May 2026.
- ^ "Fuel Price Adjustments - Update and Staged Approach Confirmed". Government of Niue (Press release). 2 April 2026. Archived from the original on 3 May 2026. Retrieved 3 May 2026.
- ^ a b c Leatinu'u, Aui'a Vaimaila (30 April 2026). "$3.80 a litre: Fuel crisis looms large as Niue's 'kingmaker' village heads to the polls". Pacific Media Network. Archived from the original on 2 May 2026. Retrieved 1 May 2026.
- ^ a b "Niue Goes To The Polls This Weekend". Tagata Pasifika. 29 April 2026. Archived from the original on 2 May 2026. Retrieved 2 May 2026.
According to the Office of the Government of Niue, the polling booths will be open and voting will commence at 9.00am and close at 6.00pm. Preliminary results will be available live from 7.00pm. Official results from the 2026 general election will be declared on May 6th.
- ^ a b c d e f Rivers, Renate (3 May 2026). "Niue voters stick with experience as Tagelagi eyes top job again". Pacific Media Network. Archived from the original on 3 May 2026. Retrieved 3 May 2026.
While the majority of incumbents were returned, there were small shake-ups in the villages of Avatele and Tamakautoga where new representatives were elected to replace the previous members.
- ^ a b "Niue general election: Preliminary results are in, PM Tagelagi retains his Alofi South seat". RNZ. 3 May 2026. Archived from the original on 3 May 2026. Retrieved 3 May 2026.
PMN reports incumbent Prime Minister Dalton Tagelagi retained his Alofi South seat, securing 111 out of 221 valid votes.
- ^ a b Rivers, Renate (4 May 2026). "And then there were seven: Niue votes in record women MPs". Pacific Media Network. Archived from the original on 4 May 2026. Retrieved 4 May 2026.
- ^ Rivers, Renate (4 May 2026). "Niue votes in record women MPs". RNZ. Archived from the original on 4 May 2026. Retrieved 4 May 2026.
- ^ a b c "Niue Elections 2026 – Live Update Board". TV Niue. Broadcasting Corporation of Niue. 2 May 2026. Retrieved 2 May 2026.
