Parliament rejects motion for vote of no confidence 13-11 [1]
Monday, October 8, 2012 - 16:51. Updated on Monday, September 9, 2013 - 18:40.
After putting it off for a month, Tonga's parliament today rejected a Motion for a Vote of no Confidence in the Prime Minister Lord Tu'ivakano and his cabinet.
The motion that was tabled into parliament on June 28, was thrown out with a vote of 13-11 this afternoon.
During the final speeches by members who supported the motion, People's Representative 'Isileli Pulu moved for the house to defer the voting until tomorrow morning. The Prime Minister, however, pleaded with the house to proceed with the voting so that they could move ahead with number of other urgent issues. He said that if Cabinet Ministers would continue to debate new allegations that were made by members this morning it would further prolong the debate by the House of the motion. He moved for the House to vote on the motion, and the Speaker, Lord Fakafanua called for votes.
The 13 members who voted against the motion were, the Prime Minister, Lord Tu'ivakano; Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Samiu Vaipulu;Minister of Land, Lord Ma'afu Tukui'aulahi; Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Hon. Sangster Saulala; Minister of Internal Affairs, Lord Vaea; Minister of Revenue Collection, Hon. Fe'aomoeata Vakata; Minister of Finance, Hon. Lisiate 'Akolo; Minister of Tourism, Hon. Dr Viliami Latu; Minister of Health, Hon. Tu'i'afitu; Lord Tu'ilakepa, Lord Tu'iha'ateiho, Lord Fusitu'a and Lord Nuku.
The 11 members who supported the motion were, 'Akilisi Pohiva, Semisi Sika, Dr Sitiveni Halapua, 'Isileli Pulu, 'Aisake Eke, Siosifa Tu'utafaiva, Sione Taione, Falisi Tupou, Semisi Tapueluelu, Sunia Fili and Mo'ale Finau.