Tonga’s civic space is rated as ‘narrowed’ by the CIVICUS Monitor. Ongoing concerns documented include the existence of criminal defamation laws, restrictions on the media and risks faced by the LGBTQI+ community.
In November 2025, eight new MPs were elected to Tonga's parliament in the general election amid a continuing decline in voter turnout. In Tonga, the parliament is divided between 17 people's representatives, which the general population vote for, and 9 nobles' representatives, selected by the nobles in a separate election process.
Lord Fakafanua was elected Tonga's next prime minister in December 2025 by his fellow MPs, ousting incumbent prime minister Dr 'Aisake Eke. Fakafanua, 40, won the secret ballot by 16 votes to 10. Fakafanua is only the second noble to hold the role of prime minister since the country's 2010 constitutional reforms.
Expression
Appeal court orders retrial in defamation case against journalists
In November 2025, a former Prime Minister, Feleti Sevele (Lord Sevele) won his appeal against the dismissal of his defamation case against three respondents in a radio programme back in 2022. The Appeal Court has ordered a retrial against three respondents.
The first respondent, Kolio Tapueluelu, was a former police officer and commentator on a radio station called Kele’a Voice 91.5 FM; a second respondent, Kele’a Publication Ltd., owns and operates the radio station and a newspaper called Kele’a. The third respondent, Sione Ngalu, was a host of programmes on the station.
The alleged defamation occurred on 18th October 2022, when Ngalu hosted a programme on the station. During the program Tapueluelu allegedly made various statements about Sevele, who later claimed they were defamatory of him in the performance of his office as Prime Minister.
The jury, however, reached a verdict in September 2024 after a six-week trial, concluding that Sevele did not provide sufficient evidence to substantiate the claims required under the defamation act.
Sevele then filed an appeal in the Court of Appeal expressing dissatisfaction with the decision made by the jury. He also sought compensation of $200,000.
The Court ruled the initial trial suffered a miscarriage of justice and ordered a complete retrial, stating the jury’s decision was “plainly perverse.”
Peaceful Assembly
Youth lead vigil for the 16 Days of Activism
In December 2025, Vava’u youth lead a candlelight vigil for the 16 Days of Activism, calling for an end to digital violence against women and girls.
Young people from across the island took to the streets in a powerful Solidarity Walk and Candlelight Vigil, shining a spotlight on the rising threat of Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV).
The walk began at the Governor's office and concluded at Fakamelino Hall, where the youth gathered for an evening of learning, reflection, and remembrance.
Delivering the keynote, ‘Ofa Ki Levuka Guttenbeil-Likiliki, Director of the Women and Children Crisis Centre (WCCC), delivered a compelling message urging young people to step forward as leaders in digital safety and violence prevention.
Youth listened to powerful true stories illustrating how technology is increasingly used as a tool of control, surveillance, intimidation, and shame - especially against women and young girls. The evening concluded with a solemn and emotional candlelight vigil.