A New Choice for Eua 11: Siuaki Livai Enters the Ring as a Dark Horse Candidate
As part of our Election Spotlight series, Tonga Independent News profiles candidates contesting the 2025 General Election. The following editorial introduces Siuaki Livai, candidate for Eua 11.
EUA – In the lead-up to the November 2025 general election, the constituency of Eua 11 is witnessing a compelling three-way race. While the spotlight has long been on two experienced politicians—current Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Taniela Fusimalohi and former Finance Minister Tevita Lavemaau—a new contender is gaining significant traction. Siuaki Livai, a native of Eua with a unique background, is emerging as the dark horse candidate, offering a fresh vision rooted in service and unity.
His campaign is guided by a powerful principle from scripture: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35). For Livai, this isn’t just a verse; it’s the blueprint for his approach to governance—a call to move beyond divisive politics and foster a community built on collective trust and action.
This message resonates in Eua, a constituency with two distinct ethnic groups that requires delicate and inclusive leadership for long-term stability. Past administrations have faced criticism for a top-down approach. The former Finance Minister was known to centralize control over funding and initiatives, a strategy that ultimately led to his rejection by voters. His successor, the current MP and Deputy PM, is now facing similar criticisms, with recent reports from Eua 11 indicating disappointment over the formation of an exclusive town committee that has created ill feeling among the people.
The Livai Advantage: A Bridge-Builder with a Global Perspective
Siuaki Livai stands in stark contrast to the political establishment. A true son of Eua with deep connections to both ethnic groups, he spent his early life in Hawaii and the mainland US before returning to his roots over five years ago. He has since been deeply involved in community initiatives, playing a key role in the launch of the MV Malau in 2023.
He also brings a formidable reputation from abroad as a highly successful American football coach. With a keen interest in sports and tourism, Livai is poised to introduce American football to the Kingdom, seeing it as a vehicle for youth development and economic opportunity.
Key Policies for a Empowered Eua
Livai’s platform is built on four key pillars designed to create a sustainable and self-reliant future for Eua 11:
- Sustainable Economic Development: Livai has already been actively working to harness the power of the Eua diaspora. His policy focuses on establishing a formal market for Eua’s products—such as ngoue (agriculture)—by directly connecting producers with communities in the US, NZ, Australia, and Hawaii. This practical approach aims to generate real income for families.
- Good Governance: Central to his plan is a revolutionary governance model. He proposes working directly with the elected District Officers (2) and Town Officers (16) to form a governance group. “This will assure the community that they are part of this process,” Livai states, ensuring that monetary and major decisions are made transparently and collectively, not by a single individual.
- Strategic Investment in Sports: Leveraging his professional background, Livai presents a clear-eyed vision for sports. He recognizes the immense potential of Rugby, Netball, and other sports to foster discipline, health, and national pride among Eua’s youth. However, he acknowledges that potential remains untapped without strategic investment. Livai pledges to be a strong advocate in Parliament for dedicated government funding to develop sports infrastructure and programs in Eua. “Investment in sports is not an expense; it is an investment in our children’s health, character, and future. It keeps them engaged, builds self-esteem, and can open doors to international scholarships and careers. We must partner with the government to deliver these vital outcomes for our youth.”
- Health: Recognizing the importance of a strong public health system, Livai’s policy aims to integrate with the national health strategy while ensuring it is responsive to the specific needs of Eua’s community, potentially through volunteer networks and targeted preventative care.
In a political landscape often defined by familiar faces, Siuaki Livai offers a new choice. He is not a career politician, but a community leader, a coach, and a bridge-builder. His vision for a united, economically vibrant, and transparently governed Eua 11 is positioning him as a formidable dark horse candidate who could very well change the game this November.
