Intractable Barriers to Women’s Election in Tonga

Date

2022-02-07

Authors

Taunisila, Lepolo
Palmieri, Sonia

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Volume Title

Publisher

Canberra, ACT: Dept. of Pacific Affairs, Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs, The Australian National University

Abstract

In this In Brief the authors consider lessons learned in the aftermath of women candidates’ defeat in the 18 November 2021 general election. They identify five intractable barriers to women’s election in Tonga: voters’ expectations of reciprocity in exchange for electoral support; deeply entrenched perceptions of men’s legitimacy as political leaders; untimely support for women candidates; an inhospitable political environment for electoral gender quotas; and a lack of accountability on gender equality commitments.

Description

Keywords

Gender, women in politics, women in leadership, politics, Tonga, Pacific Politics, equality, Gender politics

Citation

Source

Type

Journal article

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Access Statement

Open Access

License Rights

Restricted until