Tokelau flag
Photo: kunilanskap/123RF
The results of the 2026 Tokelau General Election have been returned, after voters went to the polls on on Thursday. The results were announced by Tino Vitale, the General Manager for Tokelau’s National Office in Apia.
Voting took place on Nukunonu, Atafu, Fakaofo and also in Apia, to assist the number of Tokelauan voters who live in Samoa.
The position of the Ulu o Tokelau, Head of Government, rotates among the three Faipule, the elected leaders of each of the three atolls.
Ulu-o-Tokelau 2025 Esera Fofō Filipo Tuisano smiles during gifting ceremony.
Photo: Supplied/ Elena Pasilio
The next Ulu o Tokelau, Alapati Pita Tavite of Nukunonu, will assume that role next month when the Fono Fakamua, Tokelauan Parliament, meets. He replaces Esera Fofō Tuisano, the current Ulu o Tokelau.
The 2026 general election results are:
Atafu
Atafu atoll in Tokelau.
Photo: Fatu Tauafiafi
Faipule: Kelihiano Kalolo
Pulenuku: Malala Lafaialii
Hui Taupulega 1: Tile Elia
Hui Taupulega 2: Stanley Lopa
Hui Taupulega 3: Heluka Sirila
Hui Taulelea: Tepapa Tom Ioane
Hui Fatupaepae: Latu Lopa
Nukunonu
Field trip for school kids in Nukunonu
Photo: Elena Pasilio
Faipule: Alapati Pita Tavite
Pulenuku: Petelo Patelesio
Hui Taupulega 1: Aleki Sakalia
Hui Taupulega 2: Viliamu Iosefo
Hui Taulelea: Tufala Tavite
Hui Fatupaepae: Suliana Pahina
Fakaofo
Fakaofo atoll in Tokelau
Photo: Elena Pasilio
Faipule: Esera Fofō Tuisano
Pulenuku: Feleti Tulafono
Hui Taupulega: Kaio Isaako
Hui Taulelea 1: Palelei Sili
Hui Taulelea 2: Tulafono Tulafono
Hui Fatupaepae 1: Malia Pue
Hui Fatupaepae 2: Elisapeta Helepa Vavega
The election coincides with a historic anniversary for Tokelau, 100 years since Tokelau became a territory of New Zealand. The New Zealand Navy vessel, Canterbury, will visit Tokelau’s three atolls to mark the centenary on 11 February.
Aboard the ship is New Zealand’s Governor-General, Dame Cindy Kiro, as well as staff from various government agencies and an officer from the Tokelauan National Disaster Management Office.