By Katalina Siasau
Tonga's Prime Minister and his Cabinet must respond to a Motion for a Vote of No Confidence in parliament before midday on Friday.
The intention to file the motion was submitted to the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga by Hon. Dr ‘Aisake Eke in a group of 10 members of parliament, on Saturday, 23 November.
The deadline for the government's response was set by the Speaker Lord Fakafanua this morning, when the House reconvened its session, after a long break since its last sitting on 15 October. The response is to be submitted to the Speaker.
The members of the House supported (14-3) the Prime Minister, Hon. Hu'akavameiliku's suggestion for another immediate adjournament of the parliamentary session.
"If there is to be deiberations today, no one will pay attention to the reports [in the agenda] if there is the submission on the intention to bring down this Government as in their motion," the Prime Minister Hon. Hu'akavameiliku said.
The House adjourned until Tuesday, 3 December, with a time to be confirmed.
The Tonga Constitution provides that five days notice of intention are required before the motion can be introduced in the House.
Clause 50B of the Constitution, states: "A vote of no confidence in the Prime Minister (a) shall not be moved unless at least 5 working days’ notice of the intention to move such a motion has been given to the Speaker."
The agenda for today's session had included discussions on a Public Bill, as well as a review of unfinished business from the previous session, including government's annual reports, parliamentary visits reports, committee reports and a number of public bills.
