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Legislative branch Tonga, in 36 editions.
The entry for Tonga published Legislative branch in 36 editions of 36, from 1990 to 2025. The text changed in 27 editions. Each is shown as published. Legislative branch in every entry.
- editions changed the text
- 27
- the first edition with it
- 1990
- the latest edition with it
- 2025
Published as “Legislative branch” (1990 to 2025), “Privy Council” (1994 to 1996) and “Legislative Assembly (Fale Alea)” (1994 to 1996).
field in that editiontext changed from the edition beforenot in that editionthe edition shownChoose an edition on the strip beside the text, or step through them with the arrows. Mark changes compares it with the edition before: the marks are ours, words added and words removed.
2025 edition
Rewritten since 2024unicameral Legislative Assembly
unicameral Legislative Assembly
The same text in 3 editions, 1991 to 1993.
unicameral Legislative Assembly (Fale Alea)
unicameral Legislative Assembly (Fale Alea)
Published as “Privy Council”
consists of the king and the cabinet
Published as “Legislative branch”
unicameral
Published as “Legislative Assembly (Fale Alea)”
- elections last held 14-15 February 1990 (next to be held NA February 1993);
- results - percent of vote NA;
- seats - (29 total, 9 elected) 6 proreform, 3 traditionalist
Rewritten: too little of the 1993 text remains to mark the changes.
consists of the king and the cabinet
unicameral
elections last held 14-15 February 1990 (next to be held NA February
1993); results - percent of vote NA; seats - (29 total, 9 elected) 6
proreform, 3 traditionalist
Published as “Privy Council”
consists of the king and the cabinet
Published as “Legislative branch”
unicameral; consists of twelve cabinet ministers sitting ex-officio, nine nobles selected by the country's thirty-three nobles, and nine people's representatives elected by the populace
Published as “Legislative Assembly (Fale Alea)”
- elections last held 3-4 February 1993 (next to be held NA February 1996);
- results - percent of vote NA;
- seats - (30 total, 9 elected) 6 proreform, 3 traditionalist
consists of the king and the cabinetunicameral unicameral; consists of twelve cabinet ministers
sitting ex-officio, nine nobles selected by the country's thirty-three
nobles, and nine people's representatives elected by the populace
elections last held 14-15 3-4 February 1990
1993 (next to be held NA February
1993);
seats - (29 (30 total, 9 elected) 6
Published as “Privy Council”
consists of the king and the Cabinet
Published as “Legislative branch”
unicameral
Published as “Legislative Assembly (Fale Alea)”
- elections last held 3-4 February 1993 (next to be held NA February 1996);
- results - percent of vote NA;
- seats - (30 total, 12 reserved for cabinet ministers sitting ex officio, nine for nobles selected by the country's 33 nobles, and nine for elected people's representatives) 6 proreform, 3 traditionalist
consists of the king and the cabinet Cabinet
unicameral; consists of twelve cabinet ministers
sitting ex-officio, nine nobles selected by the country's thirty-threenobles, and nine people's representatives elected by the populace unicameral
elections last held 3-4 February
1993 (next to be held NA February 1996); results - percent of vote NA;
NA; seats - (30 total, 9 elected) 12 reserved for cabinet ministers sitting ex
officio, nine for nobles selected by the country's 33 nobles, and
nine for elected people's representatives) 6 proreform, 3
traditionalist
unicameral Legislative Assembly or Fale Alea (30 seats - 12 reserved for cabinet ministers sitting ex officio, nine for nobles selected by the country's 33 nobles, and nine elected by popular vote; members serve three-year terms)
- elections:
- last held 24-25 January 1996 (next to be held NA January 1999)
- election results :
- percent of vote - NA; seats - 7 proreform, 2 traditionalist
consists of the king and the Cabinetunicameral
elections last held 3-4 February
1993 (next to be held NA February 1996); results - percent of voteNA; seats - (30 total, 12 reserved for cabinet ministers sitting ex
nobles selected by the country's 33 nobles, andfor elected people's representatives) 6 by
popular vote; members serve three-year terms)
elections: last held 24-25 January 1996 (next to be held NA January
1999)
election results : percent of vote - NA; seats - 7 proreform, 3 2
traditionalist
unicameral Legislative Assembly or Fale Alea (30 seats-12 reserved for cabinet ministers sitting ex officio, nine for nobles selected by the country's 33 nobles, and nine elected by popular vote; members serve three-year terms)
- elections:
- last held 24-25 January 1996 (next to be held NA February 1999)
- election results:
- percent of vote-NA; seats-7 proreform, 2 traditionalist
unicameral Legislative Assembly or Fale Alea (30seats - 12 seats-12 reserved for cabinet ministers sitting ex officio, nine for
nobles selected by the country's 33 nobles, and nine elected by
popular vote; members serve three-year terms)
elections: last held 24-25 January 1996 (next to be held NA January February
1999)
election results : results: percent of vote - NA; seats - 7 vote-NA; seats-7 proreform, 2
traditionalist
unicameral Legislative Assembly or Fale Alea (30 seats--12 reserved for cabinet ministers sitting ex officio, nine for nobles selected by the country's 33 nobles, and nine elected by popular vote; members serve three-year terms)
- elections:
- last held 24-25 January 1996 (next to be held NA March 1999)
- election results:
- percent of vote--NA; seats--7 proreform, 2 traditionalist
unicameral Legislative Assembly or Fale Alea (30seats-12 (30 seats--12 reserved for cabinet ministers sitting ex officio, nine for
for nobles selected by the country's 33 nobles, and nine elected by
popular vote; members serve three-year terms)
elections: last held 24-25 January 1996 (next to be held NA February March
1999)
election results: percent of vote-NA; seats-7 vote--NA; seats--7 proreform, 2
traditionalist
unicameral Legislative Assembly or Fale Alea (30 seats - 12 reserved for cabinet ministers sitting ex officio, nine for nobles selected by the country's 33 nobles, and nine elected by popular vote; members serve three-year terms)
- elections:
- last held NA March 1999 (next to be held NA 2002)
- election results:
- percent of vote - pro-democratic 40%; seats - pro-democratic 5, traditionalist 4
unicameral Legislative Assembly or Fale Aleaseats--12 seats - 12 reserved for cabinet ministers sitting ex officio, nine
elections: last held 24-25 January 1996 NA March 1999 (next to be held NA March 2002)
1999)
election results: percent of vote--NA; seats--7 proreform, 2vote - pro-democratic 40%; seats - pro-democratic 5, traditionalist 4
- unicameral Legislative Assembly or Fale Alea (30 seats - 12 reserved for cabinet ministers sitting ex officio, nine for nobles selected by the country's 33 nobles, and nine elected by popular vote; members serve three-year terms) elections: last held NA March 1999 (next to be held NA 2002) election results: percent of vote - pro-democratic 40%;
- seats - pro-democratic 5, traditionalist 4
unicameral Legislative Assembly or Fale Alea (30 seats - 12 reserved for cabinet ministers sitting ex officio, nine for nobles selected by the country's 33 nobles, and nine elected by popular vote; members serve three-year terms)
The same text in 2002 and 2003.
unicameral Legislative Assembly or Fale Alea (30 seats - 12 reserved for cabinet ministers sitting ex officio, nine for nobles selected by the country's 33 nobles, and nine elected by popular vote; members serve three-year terms)
- elections:
- last held 7 March 2002 (next to be held NA 2005)
- election results:
- percent of vote - pro-democratic 70%; seats - pro-democratic 7, traditionalist 2
unicameral Legislative Assembly or Fale Alea (30 seats - 12 reserved for cabinet ministers sitting ex officio, nine for nobles selected by the country's 33 nobles, and nine elected by popular vote; members serve three-year terms)
elections: last held NA 7 March 1999 2002 (next to be held NA 2002) 2005)
election results: percent of vote - pro-democratic 40%; 70%; seats - pro-democratic 5, 7, traditionalist 4 2
unicameral Legislative Assembly or Fale Alea (30 seats - 12 reserved for cabinet ministers sitting ex officio, nine for nobles selected by the country's 33 nobles, and nine elected by popular vote; members serve three-year terms)
- elections:
- last held 7 March 2002 (next to be held NA 2005)
- election results:
- percent of vote - HRDMT 70%; seats - HRDMT 7, traditionalist 2
unicameral Legislative Assembly or Fale Alea (30 seats - 12 reserved for cabinet ministers sitting ex officio, nine for nobles selected by the country's 33 nobles, and nine elected by popular vote; members serve three-year terms)
elections: last held 7 March 2002 (next to be held NA 2005)
election results: percent of vote - pro-democratic HRDMT 70%; seats - pro-democratic HRDMT 7, traditionalist 2
unicameral Legislative Assembly or Fale Alea (30 seats - 12 reserved for cabinet ministers sitting ex officio, nine for nobles selected by the country's 33 nobles, and nine elected by popular vote; members serve three-year terms)
- elections:
- last held 21 March 2005 (next to be held in 2008)
- election results:
- Peoples Representatives: percent of vote - HRDMT 70%; seats - HRDMT 7, independents 2
unicameral Legislative Assembly or Fale Alea (30 seats - 12 reserved for cabinet ministers sitting ex officio, nine for nobles selected by the country's 33 nobles, and nine elected by popular vote; members serve three-year terms)
elections: last held 7 21 March 2002 2005 (next to be held NA 2005) in 2008)
election results: Peoples Representatives: percent of vote - HRDMT 70%; seats - HRDMT 7, traditionalist independents 2
unicameral Legislative Assembly or Fale Alea (32 seats - 14 reserved for cabinet ministers sitting ex officio, 9 for nobles selected by the country's 33 nobles, and 9 elected by popular vote; members serve three-year terms)
- elections:
- last held 21 March 2005 (next to be held in 2008)
- election results:
- Peoples Representatives: percent of vote - HRDMT 70%; seats - HRDMT 7, independents 2
unicameral Legislative Assembly or Fale Alea (30 (32 seats - 12 14 reserved for cabinet ministers sitting ex officio, nine 9 for nobles selected by the country's 33 nobles, and nine 9 elected by popular vote; members serve three-year terms)
elections: last held 21 March 2005 (next to be held in 2008)
election results: Peoples Representatives: percent of vote - HRDMT 70%; seats - HRDMT 7, independents 2
unicameral Legislative Assembly or Fale Alea (32 seats - 14 reserved for cabinet ministers sitting ex officio, nine for nobles selected by the country's 33 nobles, and nine elected by popular vote; members serve three-year terms)
- elections:
- last held on 21 March 2005 (next to be held in 2008)
- election results:
- Peoples Representatives: percent of vote - HRDMT 70%, other 30%; seats - HRDMT 7, independents 2
unicameral Legislative Assembly or Fale Alea (32 seats - 14 reserved for cabinet ministers sitting ex officio, 9 nine for nobles selected by the country's 33 nobles, and 9 nine elected by popular vote; members serve three-year terms)
elections: last held on 21 March 2005 (next to be held in 2008)
election results: Peoples Representatives: percent of vote - HRDMT 70%; 70%, other 30%; seats - HRDMT 7, independents 2
unicameral Legislative Assembly or Fale Alea (32 seats - 14 reserved for cabinet ministers sitting ex officio, nine for nobles selected by the country's 33 nobles, and nine elected by popular vote; members serve three-year terms)
- elections:
- last held on 23-24 April 2008 (next to be held in 2011)
- election results:
- Peoples Representatives: percent of vote - independents 54%, THRDM 28%, PDP 14%; seats - THRDM 4, independents 3, PDP 2
unicameral Legislative Assembly or Fale Alea (32 seats - 14 reserved for cabinet ministers sitting ex officio, nine for nobles selected by the country's 33 nobles, and nine elected by popular vote; members serve three-year terms)
elections: last held on 21 March 2005 23-24 April 2008 (next to be held in 2008) 2011)
election results: Peoples Representatives: percent of vote - HRDMT 70%, other 30%; independents 54%, THRDM 28%, PDP 14%; seats - HRDMT 7, THRDM 4, independents 3, PDP 2
unicameral Legislative Assembly or Fale Alea (32 seats - 14 reserved for cabinet ministers sitting ex officio, 9 for nobles selected by the country's 33 nobles, and 9 elected by popular vote; members serve three-year terms)
- elections:
- last held on 23-24 April 2008 (next to be held in 2011)
- election results:
- Peoples Representatives:
- percent of vote - independents 54%, THRDM 28%, PDP 14%; seats - THRDM 4, independents 3, PDP 2
unicameral Legislative Assembly or Fale Alea (32 seats - 14 reserved for cabinet ministers sitting ex officio, nine 9 for nobles selected by the country's 33 nobles, and nine 9 elected by popular vote; members serve three-year terms)
elections:
last held on 23-24 April 2008 (next to be held in 2011)
election results:
Peoples Representatives: percent of vote - independents 54%, THRDM 28%, PDP 14%; seats - THRDM 4, independents 3, PDP 2
The same text in 3 editions, 2010 to 2012.
unicameral Legislative Assembly or Fale Alea (26 seats - 9 for nobles elected from among the country's 29 nobles, 17 members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)
- elections:
- last held on 25 November 2010 (next to be held in 2014)
- election results:
- Peoples Representatives:
- percent of vote - independents 67.3%, Democratic Party 28.5%; seats - Democratic Party 12, independents 5
unicameral Legislative Assembly or Fale Alea (32 (26 seats - 14 reserved for cabinet ministers sitting ex officio, 9 for nobles selected by elected from among the country's 33 29 nobles, and 9 17 members elected by popular vote; members vote to serve three-year four-year terms)
elections:
last held on 23-24 April 2008 25 November 2010 (next to be held in 2011) 2014)
election results:
Peoples Representatives: percent of vote - independents 54%, THRDM 28%, PDP 14%; 67.3%, Democratic Party 28.5%; seats - THRDM 4, Democratic Party 12, independents 3, PDP 2 5
The same text in 2013 and 2014.
unicameral Legislative Assembly or Fale Alea (26 seats - 9 for nobles elected from among the country's 29 nobles, 17 members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)
- elections:
- last held on 25 November 2010 (next to be held in 2014)
- election results:
- Peoples Representatives:
- percent of vote - independents 67.3%, Democratic Party 28.5%, other 4.2%; seats - Democratic Party 12, independents 5
unicameral Legislative Assembly or Fale Alea (26 seats - 9 for nobles elected from among the country's 29 nobles, 17 members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)
elections:
last held on 25 November 2010 (next to be held in 2014)
election results:
Peoples Representatives: percent of vote - independents 67.3%, Democratic Party 28.5%; 28.5%, other 4.2%; seats - Democratic Party 12, independents 5
The same text in 2015 and 2016.
- description:
- unicameral Legislative Assembly or Fale Alea (26 seats; 17 people's representatives directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote and 9 indirectly elected by hereditary leaders; members serve 3-year terms)
- elections:
- last held on 27 November 2014 (next to be held in 2017)
- election results:
- percent of vote - NA; seats by party - Democratic Party 9, noble's representatives 9, independent 8
description: unicameral Legislative Assembly or Fale Alea (26 seats - 9 for nobles elected from among the country's 29 nobles, seats; 17 members people's representatives directly elected in single-seat constituencies by popular simple majority vote to and 9 indirectly elected by hereditary leaders; members serve four-year 3-year terms)
elections:25 27 November 2010 2014 (next to be held in 2014) 2017)
election results:
Peoples Representatives:independents 67.3%, Democratic Party 28.5%, other 4.2%; NA; seats by party - Democratic Party 12, independents 5 9, noble's representatives 9, independent 8
- description:
- unicameral Legislative Assembly or Fale Alea (26 seats; 17 people's representatives directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote and 9 indirectly elected by hereditary leaders; members serve 3-year terms)
- elections:
- last held on 27 November 2014 (next to be held on 16 November 2017); note - King TUPOU VI dissolved the parliament on 26 September 2017
- election results:
- percent of vote - NA; seats by party - Democratic Party 9, nobles' representatives 9, independent 8
description: unicameral Legislative Assembly or Fale Alea (26 seats; 17 people's representatives directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote and 9 indirectly elected by hereditary leaders; members serve 3-year terms)
elections: last held on 27 November 2014 (next to be held in 2017) on 16 November 2017); note - King TUPOU VI dissolved the parliament on 26 September 2017
election results: percent of vote - NA; seats by party - Democratic Party 9, noble's nobles' representatives 9, independent 8
- description:
- unicameral Legislative Assembly or Fale Alea (up to 30 seats - currently 28; 17 people's representatives directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote, 9 indirectly elected by hereditary leaders, and 2 non-elected; members serve 3-year terms)
- elections:
- last held on 16 November 2017 (next to be held in 2020)
- election results:
- percent of vote - NA;
- seats by party - Democratic Party 14, nobles' representatives 9, other 2, independent 3;
- composition - men 27, women 1, percent of women 3.6%
description: unicameral Legislative Assembly or Fale Alea (26 seats; (up to 30 seats - currently 28; 17 people's representatives directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote and vote, 9 indirectly elected by hereditary leaders; leaders, and 2 non-elected; members serve 3-year terms)
elections: last held on 27 16 November 2014 2017 (next to be held on 16 November 2017); note - King TUPOU VI dissolved the parliament on 26 September 2017 in 2020)
election results: percent of vote - NA; seats by party - Democratic Party 9, 14, nobles' representatives 9, other 2, independent 8 3; composition - men 27, women 1, percent of women 3.6%
The same text in 2019 and 2020.
- description:
- unicameral Legislative Assembly or Fale Alea (up to 30 seats; - 26 for the 2017-19 term);
- 17 people's representatives directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote, and 9 indirectly elected by hereditary leaders;
- members serve 3-year terms)
- elections:
- last held on 16 November 2017 (next to be held in 2020)
- election results:
- percent of vote - NA;
- seats by party - Democratic Party 14, nobles' representatives 9, independent 3;
- composition - men 24, women 2, percent of women 7.7%
description: unicameral Legislative Assembly or Fale Alea (up to 30 seats seats; - currently 28; 26 for the 2017-19 term); 17 people's representatives directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote, and 9 indirectly elected by hereditary leaders, and 2 non-elected; leaders; members serve 3-year terms)
elections: last held on 16 November 2017 (next to be held in 2020)
election results: percent of vote - NA; seats by party - Democratic Party 14, nobles' representatives 9, other 2, independent 3; composition - men 27, 24, women 1, 2, percent of women 3.6% 7.7%
- description:
- unicameral Legislative Assembly or Fale Alea (up to 30 seats; - 26 for the 2021-25 term);
- 17 people's representatives directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote, and 9 indirectly elected by hereditary leaders;
- members serve 4-year terms)
- elections:
- last held on 18 November 2021 (next to be held in November 2025)
- election results:
- percent of vote - NA;
- seats by party (elected members) - Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands 3, Tonga People's Party 1, independent 13;
- composition (elected members) - men 17, women 0, percent of women 0%
description: unicameral Legislative Assembly or Fale Alea (up to 30 seats; - 26 for the 2017-19 2021-25 term); 17 people's representatives directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote, and 9 indirectly elected by hereditary leaders; members serve 3-year 4-year terms)
elections: last held on 16 18 November 2017 2021 (next to be held in 2020) November 2025)
election results: percent of vote - NA; seats by party (elected members) - Democratic Party 14, nobles' representatives 9, of the Friendly Islands 3, Tonga People's Party 1, independent 3; 13; composition (elected members) - men 24, 17, women 2, 0, percent of women 7.7% 0%
- description:
- unicameral Legislative Assembly or Fale Alea (30 seats statutory, 27 current);
- 17 people's representatives directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote, and 9 indirectly elected by hereditary leaders;
- members serve 4-year terms)
- elections:
- last held on 18 November 2021 (next to be held in November 2025)
- election results:
- percent of vote - NA;
- seats by party (elected members) - independents 11, nobles' representatives 9, Democratic Party 3, Peoples Party 3;
- composition - men 26, women 1, percent of women 3.7%
description: unicameral Legislative Assembly or Fale Alea (up to 30 seats; - 26 for the 2021-25 term); (30 seats statutory, 27 current); 17 people's representatives directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote, and 9 indirectly elected by hereditary leaders; members serve 4-year terms)
elections: last held on 18 November 2021 (next to be held in November 2025)
election results: percent of vote - NA; seats by party (elected members) - independents 11, nobles' representatives 9, Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands 3, Tonga People's Peoples Party 1, independent 13; 3; composition (elected members) - men 17, 26, women 0, 1, percent of women 0% 3.7%
- description:
- unicameral Legislative Assembly or Fale Alea (30 seats statutory, 26 current);
- 17 people's representatives directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote, and 9 indirectly elected by hereditary leaders;
- members serve 4-year terms)
- elections:
- last held on 18 November 2021 (next to be held in November 2025)
- election results:
- percent of vote - NA;
- seats by party (elected members) - independents 11, nobles' representatives 9, DPFI 3, TPPI 3;
- composition - men 26, women 1, percent of women 3.7%
description: unicameral Legislative Assembly or Fale Alea (30 seats statutory, 27 26 current); 17 people's representatives directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote, and 9 indirectly elected by hereditary leaders; members serve 4-year terms)
elections: last held on 18 November 2021 (next to be held in November 2025)
election results: percent of vote - NA; seats by party (elected members) - independents 11, nobles' representatives 9, Democratic Party DPFI 3, Peoples Party TPPI 3; composition - men 26, women 1, percent of women 3.7%
- description:
- unicameral Legislative Assembly or Fale Alea (30 seats statutory, 28 current);
- 17 people's representatives directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote, and 9 indirectly elected by hereditary leaders;
- members serve 4-year terms)
- elections:
- last held on 18 November 2021 (next to be held in November 2025)
- election results:
- percent of vote - NA;
- seats by party - independent 12, nobles' representatives 9, DPFI 3, TPPI 3;
- composition - men 26, women 2, percentage women 7.1%
description: unicameral Legislative Assembly or Fale Alea (30 seats statutory, 26 28 current); 17 people's representatives directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote, and 9 indirectly elected by hereditary leaders; members serve 4-year terms)
elections: last held on 18 November 2021 (next to be held in November 2025)
election results: percent of vote - NA; seats by party (elected members) - independents 11, independent 12, nobles' representatives 9, DPFI 3, TPPI 3; composition - men 26, women 1, percent of 2, percentage women 3.7% 7.1%
- legislature name:
- Legislative Assembly (Fale Alea)
- legislative structure:
- unicameral
- number of seats:
- 30 (17 directly elected; 9 indirectly elected)
- electoral system:
- plurality/majority
- scope of elections:
- full renewal
- term in office:
- 4 years
- most recent election date:
- 11/20/2025
- percentage of women in chamber:
- 3.8%
- expected date of next election:
- November 2025
Rewritten: too little of the 2024 text remains to mark the changes.
legislature name: Legislative Assembly (Fale Alea)
legislative structure: unicameral
number of seats: 30 (17 directly elected; 9 indirectly elected)
electoral system: plurality/majority
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 4 years
most recent election date: 11/20/2025
percentage of women in chamber: 3.8%
expected date of next election: November 2025
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Cite this page
Central Intelligence Agency. “Tonga: Legislative branch.” The World Factbook, 1990–2025 editions. Archived by The Factbook, thefactbook.org/tonga/legislative-branch.