Results for Political Reform

The main problem with Tonga's parliament today is that 17 People’s Representatives can’t work together, making it very difficult for parliament and government to function properly, says Dr Sitiveni Halapua, who played a pivotal role in Tonga’s democratisation reforms. "What is happening now, we inherited the problems of progress, but we do not have progress.” Interview by Pesi Fonua.

One year on from last November's general election that heralded political reform, it is timely to look closely at how Tonga’s new government is shaping-up during the first year of its four-year term in office. Editor's Comment FROM OUR ARCHIVES

Following the posting of my Editorial, "Fresh new parliament needs fresh new members" on February 23, there has been some aggressive flak from a People's Representative and reactions from political observers that attempt to distract from the points that were made. I have consistently pointed out that if Tonga sets up a new parliament with such a composition of 26 members...it is clear to see we will put a dictator in power. The great challenge before Tonga now is to put a democratic government into place as soon as possible and to avoid allowing vested interests to create a dictatorship. Editor's Comment.

The debate became so confusing that on the final day, Thursday, September 13, Noble Luani, the Chairman of the Parliamentary Reform Committee, pleaded with the Chairman of the Whole House Committee to call for votes, saying they had reached a "Tower of Babel" crisis, "You ask for a nail, you are given a hammer. You ask for a bucket, you are given an axe!" he complained. From the House, by Pesi Fonua.

Joe is quite right that the Tonga police and military are not big enough to deal with an insurgency because Tonga did not need a big police force or military as Tonga was the proud Friendly Islands until the 16/11. You misfits must be proud of what you did to Nuku'alofa and the business people who are the backbone of our economy. ...Tonga needs a new version of democracy- Taasi Holiday

The Tongan Government yesterday evening [20 October 2006] made an official response to the recommendations of the National Committee for Political Reform by announcing the Cabinet's own proposal for political reform.

On today's public holiday to mark the 130th year of the Tongan Constitution, a political rally of about 200 people at Pangai Si'i in Nuku'alofa was told that the constitution deprives them of fundamental rights.

The National Committee of the Kingdom of Tonga for Political Reforms proposed by Noble's Representative, HRH Prince Tu'ipelehake, triumphed in parliament on October 24 when it won 12 out of 18 votes in favour of its set up.

Motion by Prince Tu'ipelehake for government to form a committee to draft a Bill making it possible for Tonga to have a referendum. From the House, Minute No. 59, Tuesday 12 October 2004.