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 atoll in Tokelau. Photo: Fatu Tauafiafi

Field trip for school kids in Nukunonu Photo: Elena Pasilio

Fakaofo atoll in Tokelau Photo: Elena Pasilio

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.

Copyright © 2026, Radio New Zealand

Polling stations are now closed in Tokelau and counting for the national election is underway.

The election was postponed last month after severe weather conditions delayed the ferry carrying the ballot boxes.

A new date for the 2026 general election is yet to be decided.

for ad-free news and current affairs