LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF TONGA
PRESS RELEASE
Condolences on the passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Mele Siu’ilikutapu Kalaniuvalu Fotofili
The Legislative Assembly of Tonga joins in mourning the passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Mele Siu’ilikutapu Kalaniuvalu Fotofili in Auckland, New Zealand on 28 May 2023.
Her Royal Highness was the first ever woman to become a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga - elected as a People’s Representative of Tongatapu from 1975 to 1978.
Despite leaving politics, Her Royal Highness maintained close ties with the Legislative Assembly of Tonga, offering her support and mentorship to successive Tonga Youth and Girls’ Parliaments. In 2014, she opened the Pacific Women’s Parliamentary Partnership Forum in Nuku’alofa, inspiring women in Tonga and around the Pacific to actively participate in Parliament.
Today, the Legislative Assembly pays tribute to Her Royal Highness for her pioneering stature and fearlessly paving the way for women in politics. Tonga has lost a great leader and one of the most influential figures in Tongan history.
The Lord Speaker and the Legislative Assembly of Tonga expresses sincere condolences and sympathy to the Royal Household.
Issued by the Chief Clerk of the Legislative Assembly
29 May 2023
Office of the Legislative Assembly, Nuku’alofa, Tonga
