Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands
Political party in Tonga
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands (Tongan: Paati Temokalati ʻa e ʻOtu Motu ʻAngaʻofa, PTOA), also referred to as the Democrats,[2] is a political party in Tonga. The party's leader at its foundation was ʻAkilisi Pohiva.
Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands Paati Temokalati ʻa e ʻOtu Motu ʻAngaʻofa | |
|---|---|
| Abbreviation | PTOA |
| Founder | ʻAkilisi Pōhiva |
| Founded | September 2010 |
| Split from | Human Rights and Democracy Movement |
| Ideology | Reformism |
| Political position | Big tent[1] |
| Legislative Assembly | 0 / 26 |
The party was launched in September 2010, and included several sitting People's Representatives who were part of the Human Rights and Democracy Movement.[3] Its objectives upon foundation included government transparency and economic reform.[4] The PTOA failed to win any seats at the 2025 general election, marking the first time the party was left without parliamentary representation.[5]
The "Friendly Islands" are a name originally given to Tonga by Captain James Cook.[6]
2010 elections
The party contested all 17 people's seats in the 2010 elections,[3] winning 12 of them. Following the election, it secured the support of one independent and was seeking the support of two others – 'Aisake Valu Eke and Sunia Fili – by offering them cabinet posts.[7]
Following the elections, Niuas MP Sosefo Feʻaomoeata Vakata reportedly quit the party to become an independent and support a noble candidate as Prime Minister.[8]
