Two candidates have withdrawn from the Tongatapu 2 by-election, including one who has stepped aside to support Dr Malakai Koloamatangi.

Dr Malakai Koloamatangi

Soane Patita Vakautafefine Fifita announced this week that he was withdrawing his candidacy and would instead support Dr Koloamatangi’s campaign for the vacant parliamentary seat.

Another candidate, Ringo Fa‘oliu, also announced his withdrawal after meeting with Tonga’s Supervisor of Elections. Fa‘oliu said he was unable to fulfil the requirements for candidacy.

Dr Koloamatangi is the Registrar of Tonga National University and has held several senior academic and management positions in New Zealand.

He previously served as Associate Professor in Pacific Politics and director of the Pasifika Directorate at Massey University. He was also acting assistant vice-chancellor in the university’s Office of the Assistant Vice-Chancellor Māori and Pasifika.

Dr Koloamatangi has served on several advisory boards, including as chair of the Taupulega, the Pacific advisory group to the New Zealand Qualifications Authority.

The Tonga Electoral Commission has scheduled by-elections for Tongatapu 2 and ‘Ongo Niua 17 for 8 October, with candidate nominations taking place on 2 and 3 September.

The two seats became vacant after former Tongatapu 2 MP Sēmisi Sika and former ‘Ongo Niua 17 MP Lataifaingata‘a Tangimana were found guilty by the Supreme Court in Nuku‘alofa of electoral offences arising from the 2025 general election.

Sika was found guilty of failing to report full election expenses, while Tangimana was found guilty of bribery.

Parliament formally unseated the pair on 3 August, disqualifying them from contesting an election for five years.