And then there were seven: Niue votes in record women MPs

Niue has made Pacific history after Saturday’s general election delivered a record-breaking seven women to the 20-seat Fono Ekepule parliament.

This brings female representation to a staggering 35 per cent.

The historic result is a landmark moment for the “Rock of Polynesia” as the island clears the 30 per cent ‘critical mass’ threshold, often set by the United Nations.

In a region where female representation in parliaments has often struggled to hit 10 per cent, Niue has proven that the tide is turning.

While voters mostly stuck with experience, the influx of women and the unseating of veteran ministers signal a new era of leadership.

The seven women elected are Sonya Talagi, Moira Enetama, Richmond Birtha Lisimoni-Togahai, Kahealani Hekau, Florence Maureen Melekitama, Rhonda Tiakia and Esa Mona Ainu’u.

Top row (L-R) Birtha Lisimoni-Togahai, Moira Enetama, Esa Mona Ainu'u. Bottom row (L-R) Rhonda Tiakia, Florence Melekitama, Kahealani Hekau and Sonya Talagi.

Talagi said inclusion and opportunity remain central to her priorities.

“I want us to be inclusive… to build more resources and access to learning and speaking Vagahau Niue,” she told PMN Niue before polling day.

The most shocking results came from the Common Roll where voters showed a ruthless desire for change. Finance Minister Crossley Tatui, veteran MP Billy Talagi, and the long-serving O’Love Jacobsen - all giants of Niuean politics - lost their seats.

In the community: Snapshots of Niueans on election day. Photo/PMN Niue/Inangaro Vakaafi.

In their place, voters threw their support behind Robert BJ Rex, who topped the nationwide poll with a dominant 561 votes.

Community member Victoria Kalauni told PMN Niue that the rise in women candidates reflects a broader shift on the island.

“What’s really come out for me is women… women want to have a go,” she said. “It shows there are innovative ideas for Niue, the people of Niue and the diaspora.”

While the Common Roll saw legends fall, the race in Alofi South provided Saturday night’s biggest drama. Incumbent Dalton Tagelagi survived by the narrowest margin possible, retaining his seat with 111 votes, edging out challenger Alana Fiafia Rex by just one vote.

Tagelagi has framed his leadership as a mission of service.

“The government is the people. I’m just the leader of the people at this certain period,” he recently said on TV Niue.

Sonya Talagi and Dalton Tagelagi have both returned after the provisional vote count was completed on Saturday in Niue. Photo/Office of the Secretary of Government NIUE.

The five invalid ballots in Alofi South underline just how tight the contest was.

With Fiafia Rex being the sister of top-polling MP Robert BJ, the family dynamics in the next Assembly will be a fascinating watch.

In Tamakautoga, incumbent Ricky Muiaki Makani lost his seat to newcomer Hikitogia Puheke, while in Avatele, Poimamao Vakanofiti was unseated by Speedo Hetutu.

Other electorates, including Alofi North, Hakupu, Vaiea and Namukulu, were uncontested.

With seven women now holding 35 per cent of the seats and fresh faces entering the House, the race to choose the next prime minister is wide open.

The 20 elected members will meet in the coming days to form alliances.

Listen to Inangaro Vaakafi on Pacific Mornings.

While the election was a referendum on Niue’s post-pandemic recovery, the new government will immediately face the reality of NZ$3.80 per litre fuel prices and ongoing infrastructure pressure.

Niue has voted for stability but they have placed that responsibility in a room full of new, diverse, and history-making voices.