Women value integrity and rule of law [1]
Monday, October 30, 2017 - 22:22. Updated on Monday, October 30, 2017 - 22:30.
Three Tongan women panelists from different sectors agreed that "integrity", "good moral character" and "following the rule of law" were basic qualities expected in public life and leadership positions.
The three joined a panel hosted by a Pacific Media election workshop in Nuku'alofa this afternoon, to speak on what they expected from candidates for the general election and MPs, and also on the role of women in politics.
A former Minister of Justice and Tonga's first woman Attorney General, 'Alisi Taumoepeau, said she believed that women should be included in politics as coworkers with men in our country. "Women have special gifts that I have no doubt will be very useful for Tonga."
"My expectation of candidates: I look for character, good moral character," she said.
Since parliament is a law making body she also looked for some understanding and competence in legal matters as well as budget and financial competency.
"MPs will have oversight on what the House does and what government does," she said. Candidates, if successful, are expected to form a government and a cabinet, which will run government.
"In Cabinet and running a government we have issues of good governance, and we are observing in some cases struggling with this issue. In some of them it's clear that there are various breaches of the law, which immediately creates problems because if, as needed, a government is not prepared to follow the law, then we will go back to the jungle and that's not my expectation of a government or a candidate or an MP."
"When we are talking about democracy, I believe rule of law is a fundamental requirement of democracy. Therefore I can't say I will do what I like, because that's not democracy it's jungle language!"
In choosing candidates, she said, "We can start from basics, good moral character and follow the law!"
Proper process
A Director for the Tupou Tertiary Institute, Rev. Dr 'Ungatea Fonua Kata joined the panel on behalf of civil society organisations
'Ungatea said she believed that, regardless of gender, MPs should be encouraging proper process in government at all levels. This was particularly important where due process comes into conflict of interest with family ties.
MPs had to ensure professional standards, to look after people and to have integrity.
At the same time it was important to consider women's participation at all levels. "We have so much to contribute," she said.
Good governance
Liz Sullivan, a leading Nuku'alofa businesswoman, said she would like to see people start looking at good governance, and in their choice of candidate to consider if that person became Prime Minister "would he be able to represent us?"
She thought the electoral system needed to offer a party system so that leaders can be identified and manifestos developed and party leaders held to account.
All three candidates agreed that having a strong representation by women in the 17 People's Representative seats would make a positive difference to Tonga's future directions.
The panelists took questions from the journalists present.
It was pointed out that while it is not unusual in Tonga to have an all-male Parliament, it is impossible under the current structure to have an all-female parliament, since the nine Noble's Representative seats are traditionally designated for males.
Women may be elected to parliament through the People's vote for the 17 People's Representative seats.
Women may also enter parliament as one of four special Ministers, who may or may not be appointed by a Prime Minister.