WELLINGTON, May 4 (Xinhua) -- Niue voters returned most incumbent lawmakers in the Pacific island nation's 2026 general election, preliminary results have shown, with Prime Minister Dalton Tagelagi retaining his parliamentary seat as well.
The election held on Saturday local time saw 44 candidates contest 20 seats in the Niue Assembly. The legislature comprises six common roll members elected nationally and 14 village representatives.
Preliminary counts reported by the Pacific Media Network indicated Tagelagi secured re-election in the Alofi South seat. New representatives were elected in the villages of Avatele and Tamakautoga, while most other seats were retained by sitting members.
Final official results are expected to be confirmed soon.
Under Niue's political system, the prime minister is chosen by a secret ballot among the 20 members of the Assembly following the election.
Niue, a small South Pacific island, is self-governing in free association with New Zealand, which provides support in areas including foreign affairs and defense if requested by the Niue government. ■