In late November 2021, 38,500 electors went to the polls across the 36 inhabited islands of Tonga. None
of the women who stood for election were successful. In this In Brief we consider the mode of delivery of
activities in support of women who chose to contest the election in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. We share the discussions of a locally organised candidate reflection session held during the campaign period to highlight the value — and, to privilege — Tongan women’s experiences in contesting an election.