2006 Tuvaluan general election


General elections were held in Tuvalu on 3 August 2006 to elect fifteen members to the Parliament. There were 5,765 eligible voters on the electoral roll. 32 candidates, including 2 women, competed for the 15 seats. All fifteen candidates elected were Independents, as there are no political parties in the country.
The years before the election has involved an uncertain economic situation with questions about the political stability with frequent changes of prime minister. There had also been questions about the integrity of some government ministers.
The election saw eight of the fifteen incumbent MPs defeated, including the entire cabinet of the incumbent Prime Minister Maatia Toafa. Apisai Ielemia was elected the prime minister.

2006 elections to the Parliament of Tuvalu

The Tuvaluan general election was held on 3 August 2006. Maatia Toafa, the incumbent prime minister, was re-elected to his seat in parliament; however all his cabinet members were defeated. Eight new members were elected to the parliament. The new members of parliament are predominantly experienced civil servants, including Taukelina Finikaso ; Iakoba Italeli ; Lotoala Metia ; Namoliki Sualiki ; Willy Telavi ; and Falesa Pitoi.

Representatives By Island

Candidates in boldface were elected.
Incumbents are indicated with *
Additional source:

Appointment of Apisai Ielemia as prime minister

On 14 August 2006 Apisai Ielemia was elected as prime minister; he had been a diplomat, clerk to parliament and senior civil servant. Kamuta Latasi was appointed the Speaker of the parliament. The new government sworn in by Governor General, Reverend Filoimea Telito on 14 August comprised Apisai Ielemia as Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs; Tavau Teii Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources; Willy Telavi Home Affairs; Lotoala Metia Finance, Economic Planning and Industries; Kausea Natano Public Utilities; Taukelina Finikaso Communications and Works; Italeli Taeia Education, Sports and Health. Sir Tomu Sione acted as Chairman of the Caucus.