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 the authors 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. They 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.