Niue Elections: Drumming Up Support on Niue

Niue Blog - The dash to impress voters is on. In the last few days lead-up to the islands general election several candidates have purchased TV air time. Promises include baby payments, annual cost of living  adjustments for public servants and more money allocated for health, education and alternative energy projects. Popular marketing methods include T-shirts, brochures and posters.None of the 17 common roll nor village candidates withdrew from the contest during the statutory time allowed. Broadcasting Corporation Niue is offering candidates a 1-5min one-off advertisment free but additional broadcasts must be paid for.
Polling booths will be set up in each village around the island and open Saturday May 7th 9am to 6pm.

Niue Elections: You Decide Who You Want To Govern.

Niue Blog - With the list of nominations announced for the upcoming Niue Island general elections there is unlikely to be many changes in the island's legislative assembly.
About 650 voters will go to the polls on May 7 to choose six common roll members and elect village members where a vote is required.
Unless any nominations are withdrawn it looks like  Tamakoutoga, Avatele, Vaiea, Liku, Namukulu  and Tuapa seats are safe for the sitting candidates.
In Alofi South, Dalton Tagelagi is being challenged by long time resident plumber Charlie Tongahai - the size of his family may ultimately test the result.
Former premeir Young Vivian will have his camapigning cut out in Hakupu to ensure defeat of former MP and newspaper owner Michael Jackson and Niue Public Service member Malua Jackson. However family allegiences to the challengers are likely to split the vote.
In Lakepa, Kupa Magataogia the sitting MP who has worked hard to develop a community centre and accommodation facility, will be hard to topple although there are two factions in the village. The combatant is Togalilo Konelio.
Mutalau's Bill Vakaafi faces police prosecutor Makaseau Ioane in a shake down. Vakaafi is a former Cabinet Minister and has been active in village farming development.
Past MP Lilivika Muimataga who defeated Dion Taufitu in the Toi constitutency by one vote in the 2005 vote and quit at the last election is back on the hustings along with Hamouli Kaulima a great boxer in his day.
Makefu's ulumatua Charlie Tohovaka , long time public servant, is picked to get favoured over sitting MP Tofua Puletama and Salilo Tongia.
In Alofi North Vaainga Tukuitoga who has held the seat for many years is predicted to be returned although Rozzlyn Hipa a fitness trainer will no doubt give her a good work out.
The common roll with 17 nominees is unlikely to change too much with punters picking Toke Talagi, Terry Coe, Grace Sisilia Talagi, Esther Pavihi and Togia Sioneholo, and Maihetoe Hekau  back in the Assembly benches.
The interest will then turn to the election of a premier... but don't expect any miracles. Hopefully there will be some serious challenge  for the leadership just to add a bit of interest to the election. The leader is chosen by the Assembly as is the Speaker who will be a new face following the retirement of Atapana Siakimotu.

*Special coverage of Niue Elections by Niue Blog