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The Tonga Electoral Commission (TEC) has taken a major step toward strengthening disability-inclusive elections with the official launch of the Election Disability Access Working Group (EDAWG) in partnership with Tonga’s Organisations for Persons with Disabilities on March 18, 2025.
As part of this milestone event, TEC also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Pacific Community (SPC) to formalise a framework for cooperation. This agreement will enable SPC to provide technical assistance and electoral support to TEC and EDAWG, reinforcing their efforts to enhance electoral accessibility for persons with disabilities.
This initiative underscores TEC’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that all eligible voters, particularly persons with disabilities, including women with disabilities, can fully participate in the democratic process.
The establishment of EDAWG marks a critical step in removing barriers to electoral participation. The working group will serve as a collaborative platform to identify challenges, implement solutions, and advocate for a more accessible voting process—ensuring that all Tongans can exercise their right to vote independently and with dignity.
Under the MOU, SPC will support TEC and EDAWG through:
- Enhancing the accessibility of election information
- Conducting polling venue accessibility audits
- Using data to improve polling station access
- Providing disability inclusion training for electoral staff
Speaking at the launch, TEC Chairperson, the Right Honourable Lord Ramsey Dalgety KC, welcomed stakeholders, emphasising TEC’s commitment to ensuring electoral processes are truly inclusive.
“The purpose of this Working Group is eminently sensible ensuring that the Electoral Commission fully consults with the disabled community on electoral access issues and collaborates to develop effective solutions,” he stated.
Ranjesh Prakash, Governance and Human Rights Officer at SPC highlighted the fundamental link between electoral accessibility and democracy.
“An inclusive election is a true reflection of democracy. Through the TEC-EDAWG partnership, we are not just making voting accessible—we are ensuring that every voice counts, every right is upheld, and every citizen can participate with dignity and confidence,” Prakash said.
SPC’s Governance and Human Rights Advisor, ‘Alifeleti Soakai, further reinforced the importance of a People-centred Approach in electoral democracy.
“When we make elections inclusive, we strengthen democracy. When we remove barriers, we empower communities. And when we listen to the voices of all citizens, we build trust in electoral systems,” Soakai stated.
This initiative is consistent with the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and aligns with the Pacific Framework for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. It also reflects broader efforts to ensure the full participation of persons with disabilities in good governance and decision-making processes.
The long-term success of this initiative will be driven by Tongan leadership through TEC and community engagement via OPDs, with SPC providing technical expertise and ongoing support.
This initiative is supported by the Australian Government through the Pacific Women Lead programme at SPC.
The launch event and MOU signing were attended by: Honorable Mo’ale Finau, Tonga’s Minister for Justice, Ms Alison Gow, Acting Deputy High Commissioner for the Australian High Commission in Nuku’alofa, Dignitaries from the government, diplomatic corps, civil society organisations, and organisations for persons with disabilities.
