2026 Niuean general election

2026 Niuean general election
2 May 2026
All 20 members of the Assembly
11 seats needed for a majority
  First party
 
Party Independents
Seats won 20
Prime Minister before election

Dalton Tagelagi
Independent

 Elected Prime Minister

Dalton Tagelagi
Independent

General elections were held in Niue on 2 May 2026, having been called by Speaker Hima Douglas on 11 March 2026.[1][2] The list of candidates was announced on 16 April.[3] Key issues in the island territory included rising grocery and fuel prices, as well as frequent power outages.[4]

Following the election, Dalton Tagelagi was re-elected for a third term as prime minister.[5][6] Douglas, who intended to retire from politics,[2] was replaced by Billy Talagi as speaker of the Niue Assembly.[5][6]

Background

The previous elections in 2023 saw three of the common-roll seats go to newcomers;[7] Sonya Talagi won the last of them by two votes.[8] Six women were elected,[9] and three sitting MPs were unseated.[10] Dalton Tagelagi was re-elected as premier,[11] and proceeded to appoint the first gender-balanced cabinet in Niuean history.[12][13]

Four constitutional amendments advanced through the assembly in 2024, which included proposals to change the title "premier" to "prime minister", increase the cabinet from four members to six, extend the term of the assembly from three years to four years, and identify the auditor-general of New Zealand as Niue's official auditor.[14] Changes to cabinet size and term length were rejected, but the title change and the auditor designation were approved.[15][16]

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.[17] 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.[18] On 8 November 2024, Tagelagi announced a cabinet reshuffle.[19] 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.[20] 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.[21] Assembly Speaker Douglas, who retained the speakership in 2023,[22] announced his retirement from speakership ahead of the 2026 election.[2]

Electoral system

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.[23][4] Political parties have not been formed. 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]

Since 2023, candidates seeking nomination must pay a fee of NZ$200.[24]

Campaign

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.[25] 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.[25] 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.[26][27] Petrol prices soared to NZ$3.80 per litre, especially in the aftermath of the 2026 Iran war.[28] 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.[28] 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.[28]

Conduct

Advance voting was conducted the day before the election, and polling booths on election day were open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm local time (UTC−11:00).[29] Preliminary results were available live from 7:00 pm, and official results were declared on 6 May 2026.[29]

Results

Preliminary results that were disclosed on 3 May 2026 indicated that the majority of incumbents returned to the Assembly.[30][31] 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.[30] Finance minister Crossley Tatui, Billy Talagi, and O'Love Jacobsen all lost their common roll seats.[32] Tutuli Heka in Alofi North, Richie Mautama in Hakupu, Silepea Sione in Namukulu, and Talaititama Talaiti in Vaiea were re-elected unopposed.[30] 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.[30] Incumbent prime minister Dalton Tagelagi was narrowly re-elected in Alofi South by one vote, defeating his challenger Alana Rex.[30][31] In Tamakautoga, incumbent Ricky Makani lost his seat to newcomer Hiki Puheke, while in Avatele, Pita Vakanofiti was unseated by Hetututama Hetutu.[30][32] A record number of seven women were elected to the Assembly.[33]

Common roll

CandidateVotes%Notes
Robert Leslie Rex56111.04Elected
Moira Enetama5079.97Elected
Richmond Lisimoni-Togahai3587.04Elected
Emani Fakaotimanava-Lui (i)3256.39Re-elected
Sonya Talagi (i)3166.22Re-elected
Sinahemana Hekau (i)3045.98Re-elected
James Douglas2975.84
Matagi Vilitama2955.80
Crossley Tatui (i)2945.78Unseated
O'Love Jacobsen (i)2825.55Unseated
Stanley Kalauni2765.43
Billy Talagi (i)2665.23Unseated
Dempster Tomailuga2424.76
Esther Pavihi2274.47
Terry Coe1973.88
Tom Misikea1522.99
Rosa Togahai1182.32
Sioneheke Leolahi661.30
Total5,083100.00
Source: Broadcasting Corporation of Niue[34]

By constituency

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[34]

Constituencies

Results for constituencies[34]
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

Aftermath

The Niue Assembly reconvened on 13 May 2026 to elect a speaker and a prime minister.[35][36] Elected members of the Assembly, new or returning, were sworn in.[37] Billy Talagi, who had lost his common roll seat,[32] became the new speaker of the Assembly after defeating Togia Sioneholo in a 12–8 vote.[5][6] Dalton Tagelagi was also re-elected for a third term as prime minister after defeating Emani Fakaotimanava-Lui in a close vote of 11–9.[5][6] Tagelagi's third cabinet was announced on 19 May, maintaining a gender-balanced cabinet.[38] Richie Mautama became home minister, Rhonda Tiakia was appointed justice and land minister, and Sinahemana Hekau became health and education minister.[38][39]

References

  1. ↑ Pavihi, Esther (16 March 2026). "General election on Saturday 2nd May". Television Niue. Archived from the original on 2 May 2026. Retrieved 25 March 2026. 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.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 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.
  3. ↑ "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.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 "Niuean voters head to the polls Saturday". RNZ Pacific. 28 April 2026. Archived from the original on 28 April 2026. Retrieved 30 April 2026.
  5. 1 2 3 4 Rivers, Renate (14 May 2026). "Tagelagi secures third term as Niue PM after tight Assembly vote". Pacific Media Network. Archived from the original on 14 May 2026. Retrieved 14 May 2026. Earlier, MPs elected Billy Talagi as Speaker of the Assembly in a 12–8 vote over Togia Sioneholo. Talagi lost his electorate seat in the 2 May general election but returns to a senior parliamentary role.
  6. 1 2 3 4 Ligaiula, Pita (14 May 2026). "Tagelagi re-elected as Niue Prime Minister". Pacific Islands News Association. Archived from the original on 14 May 2026. Retrieved 14 May 2026. The Niue Assembly confirmed Tagelagi's appointment on Thursday under the country's non-partisan political system after the 02 May national election. Newly elected Speaker Billy Talagi was also confirmed during the Assembly sitting.
  7. ↑ 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. Archived from the original on 15 February 2026. 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.
  8. ↑ 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.
  9. ↑ "Six women MPs voted into Niue's parliament". RNZ. 2 May 2023. Archived from the original on 2 May 2023. Retrieved 2 May 2023.
  10. ↑ 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. Archived from the original on 8 February 2026. Retrieved 2 May 2023.
  11. ↑ "Dalton Tagelagi re-elected premier of Niue". RNZ. 10 May 2023. Archived from the original on 10 May 2023. Retrieved 10 May 2023.
  12. ↑ "Dalton Tagelagi forms Niue's first gender-balanced Cabinet". RNZ. 15 May 2023. Retrieved 15 May 2023.
  13. ↑ Esther Pavihi (12 May 2023). "Premier Tagelagi announce first gender- balanced Cabinet". TV Niue. Archived from the original on 6 February 2026. Retrieved 15 May 2023.
  14. ↑ "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.
  15. ↑ "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.
  16. ↑ "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.
  17. ↑ 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.
  18. ↑ "We must continue to work together to build a brighter future says PM Tagelagi during 50th Commemoration Speech". TV Niue. 22 October 2024. Archived from the original on 10 February 2026. Retrieved 1 May 2026.
  19. ↑ 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.
  20. ↑ "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.
  21. ↑ 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.
  22. ↑ 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.
  23. ↑ "Niue". IFES Election Guide.
  24. ↑ Esther Pavihi (March 2023). "New changes in the lead-up to the 2023 general elections including $200 candidates nomination fee". TV Niue. Archived from the original on 10 February 2026. Retrieved 14 April 2023.
  25. 1 2 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.
  26. ↑ "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.
  27. ↑ "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.
  28. 1 2 3 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.
  29. 1 2 "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.
  30. 1 2 3 4 5 6 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.
  31. 1 2 "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.
  32. 1 2 3 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.
  33. ↑ Rivers, Renate (4 May 2026). "Niue votes in record women MPs". RNZ. Archived from the original on 4 May 2026. Retrieved 4 May 2026.
  34. 1 2 3 "Niue Elections 2026 – Live Update Board". TV Niue. Broadcasting Corporation of Niue. 2 May 2026. Retrieved 2 May 2026.
  35. ↑ "BCN NEWS 7TH MAY 2026 – ENG" (video). YouTube. Broadcasting Corporation of Niue. 7 May 2026. Retrieved 14 May 2026. The first meeting of the new house will be on the 13th of May and that will be next Wednesday.
  36. ↑ "19TH NIUE ASSEMBLY OFFICIALLY SWORN IN". Facebook. Office of the Secretary of Government NIUE. 13 May 2026. Archived from the original on 14 May 2026. Retrieved 14 May 2026.
  37. ↑ Persico, Christina (14 May 2026). "Close vote sees Niue's Dalton Tagelagi back in as prime minister". RNZ. Archived from the original on 14 May 2026. Retrieved 14 May 2026. The 19th Niue Assembly was officially sworn in on Wednesday local time.
  38. 1 2 Rovoi, Christine (20 May 2026). "Niue names Cabinet after tight election, maintains gender balanced government". Pacific Media Network. Retrieved 20 May 2026. Tuesday's announcement follows Niue's recent general election with Prime Minister Dalton Tagelagi leading the government alongside the newly appointed ministers.
  39. ↑ "Ministerial Appointments and Portfolios". Government of Niue. 20 May 2026. Archived from the original on 20 May 2026. Retrieved 20 May 2026.
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