Date: 30 Sep 2025
Balance of Power (BOP) in Tonga this week hosted an official handing-over ceremony of the Youth Voter Motivations Report titled “Understanding Tongan Youth Attitudes to Voting.” The survey findings were presented by lead researcher, Rev. Dr. Ungatea Kata, at the BOP Tonga Office in an intimate and meaningful session.
The research, carried out by the Tupou Tertiary (TTI) Institute Research and Training Centre with support from BOP, surveyed 300 young Tongans to better understand their attitudes to voting, the influences shaping their choices, and the challenges they face in participating in elections. BOP also supported the design, layout, and printing of the final report.
In attendance were representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (Youth Division), the Tonga Electoral Commission and the TTI Research Team. Participants shared strong support for civic education initiatives, with suggestions to also involve parents in outreach sessions, given their influential role in young people’s decision-making.
Findings show that while most young people see voting as an important responsibility, many reported low levels of interest in past elections, limited outreach from candidates, and gaps in understanding how to register and vote. Parents, church leaders, and community leaders were identified as the most trusted influencers for youth voting decisions, highlighting the value of engaging these groups in awareness efforts. Encouragingly, most young people expressed support for women in leadership, and education and economic concerns ranked highest among issues important to youth.
The report will now be socialised through community outreach initiatives with the Civil Society Forum of Tonga (CSFT), Ke Tau Talanoa, and the Tonga Electoral Commission. These activities are designed to support civic education and youth engagement ahead of Tonga’s November 2025 General Elections.
End.
Full Report: Tongan-Youth-Atitudes-to-Voting.pdf
Infographic: BOP-Tongan-Youth-Atitudes-to-Voting-Infographics.pdf