Results for Politics

The Tonga Human Rights and Democracy Movement THRDM is counting on winning all nine People Representatives seats in the March 17 Tongan Parliamentary Election. 'Akilisi Pohiva, the Secretary of the THRDM and the incumbent Tongatapu No. 1 People's Representative, was optimistic that the THRDM or "Temos" would be able to take the two seats for Vava'u this year.

Only months ago Clive Edwards, as Tonga's Minister of Police and sometimes Acting Prime Minister, was seen by many as the most bull-headed man in the Tongan parliament. Ruthlessly defending and implementing the King's and Royal Family's wishes, and employing his Special Branch Police to spy on the community to isolate dissent, few would doubt that he has been a formidable opponent of Tonga's pro-democracy campaigners ever since he was appointed by the King as a minister in 1996. Interview with Clive Edwards. Part Two. By Pesi Fonua

he evolution of political reform in Tonga made a giant leap earlier this month. On November 10 the Prime Minister, Prince 'Ulukalala Lavaka Ata announced that four new ministers will be appointed by the King following the Parliamentary Election in February next year, 2005.

In a sudden announcement last night Tonga's Prime Minister promised that four new Ministers will be appointed from elected members of Tonga's Legislative Assembly following the triennial elections in February, 2005.

Hundreds of Tongans prayed aloud together with the King and Queen last night at the Teufaiva Outdoor Stadium, Nuku'alofa, asking God to have mercy on Tonga's political leaders, and to teach them to be honest and truthful, and to love the people.

Since the Prime Minister, Prince 'Ulukalala Lavaka Ata, announced yesterday his intention to reshuffle the Tongan Cabinet, the Coconut Wireless Network (CWN) has been speculating on who will become his new ministers and whether any existing ministers will be forced to resign.

"...…if Tonga restored the political rights enjoyed by its citizens before 2003 when it was above the median, it might qualify for access to tens of millions of dollars in US aid funding." Tonga has been dropped from a list, announced on July 20, of the world's poorest countries that the United States will allow to become candidates in 2005 for a new multi-billion dollar aid fund.

Temo, has been mockingly misused by Clive Edwards and Sangster Saulala's TV OBN appearances, says Rev. Simote Vea of the Human Rights & Democracy Movement In Tonga.

Political activist Lopeti Senituli, has left his job as Director of the Tonga Human Rights and Democracy Movement after disagreements, and on March 1 became the new Director of the Tonga Community Development Trust.