2026 Niuean general election

The 2023 elections saw three of the common-roll seats go to newcomers, with initial results indicating that the final seat would be decided by a coin-toss.^[5] The final results on 3 May did not show a tie, with Sonya Talagi winning the last seat on the common roll by two votes.^[6] Six candidates, including Premier Dalton Tagelagi, were elected unopposed.^[7] Six women were elected.^[8] Three sitting MPs were unseated.^[9] In a secret ballot, the Assembly re-elected Dalton Tagelagi as Premier in a 16-4 vote against O'Love Jacobsen.^[10] Tagelagi appointed his Cabinet on 12 May, the first gender-balanced Cabinet in Niuean history.^[11][12]

Four constitutional amendments advanced through the Assembly in 2024, which included proposals to change the title of premier, increasing the cabinet from four to six members, extending the term of the Assembly to four years from three years, and identifying the Auditor-General of New Zealand as the country's official auditor.^[13] The first reading of the constitutional amendment bills took place in March 2024, with the Assembly voting in favour of all four. Although Premier Dalton Tagelagi had proposed proceeding directly to a second reading, the Assembly referred the bills to the Constitution Review Committee.^[14] The second reading was approved in May.^[15] This was followed by a mandatory 13-week period during which public consultations took place.^[15] Following consultations in 13 of the 14 villages, the bills passed their third reading in early August.^[16] After two amendments were approved by voters on 31 August 2024, Assembly Speaker Hima Douglas officially signed the two approved amendments into law on 3 September.^[17][18] Douglas would remark that the approval of the Auditor-General amendment would assist in helping parliamentary committees focus attention on important domestic issues.^[19]

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.^[20] 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.^[21] On 8 November 2024, Tagelagi announced a cabinet reshuffle.^[22] 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.^[23] 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.^[24] Assembly Speaker Douglas, who retained the speakership in 2023,^[25] announced his retirement from speakership ahead of the 2026 election.^[2]

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.^[26][4] There are currently no political parties. 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]

After 2023, candidates seeking nomination must now pay a fee of NZ$200.^[27]

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.^[28] 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.^[28] 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.^[29][30] Petrol prices soared to NZ$3.80 per litre, especially in the aftermath of the 2026 Iran war.^[31] 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.^[31] 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.^[31]

Advance voting was conducted on 1 May 2026, and polling booths on election day will be open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm local time (UTC−11:00).^[32] Preliminary results will be available live from 7:00 pm, and official results are expected to be declared on 6 May 2026.^[32]

Preliminary results that were disclosed on 3 May 2026 indicated that the majority of incumbents returned to the Assembly.^[33][34] 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.^[33] Finance minister Crossley Tatui, Billy Talagi, and O'Love Jacobsen all lost their common roll seats.^[35] Tutuli Heka in Alofi North, Richie Mautama in Hakupu, Silepea Sione in Namukulu, and Talaititama Talaiti in Vaiea were re-elected unopposed.^[33] 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.^[33] Incumbent prime minister Dalton Tagelagi was narrowly re-elected in Alofi South by one vote, defeating his challenger Alana Rex.^[33][34] In Tamakautoga, incumbent Ricky Makani lost his seat to newcomer Hiki Puheke, while in Avatele, Pita Vakanofiti was unseated by Hetututama Hetutu.^[33][35] A record number of seven women were elected to the Assembly.^[36]