The caretaker Health Minister in Tonga, Dr Viliami Tangi, says he's standing in the November election to ensure continuity.
Dr Tangi is one of three Cabinet Ministers among the 147 candidates lining up for the 17 seats for the November 25th poll.
He wants to see through to completion a multi-million dollar refurbishment of the Vaiola Hospital.
That work was launched last week with aid money from Japan and is due for completion in 2012.
And Dr Tangi says with so many new people likely to enter parliament it's important to have some with experience in running a ministry.
"I'm a bit scared to think what would happen to the good work that's been done over the years. And I think a lot of people in Tonga [are] feeling the same sort of thinking. I have no doubt there will be a lot of very good people, and that is very good, among the people standing for election. A little bit of continuity will help."
