In this In Brief we consider lessons learned in the aftermath of women candidates’ defeat in the 18
November 2021 general election. We 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.