By Katalina Siasau
The Legislative Assembly of Tonga has concluded its 2025 session, marking the beginning of a three-month campaign period for members in preparation for the General Election in November.
Last week, the House wrapped up its session, which included debates and votes on various Bills, along with reports from MPs on their annual constituency visits.
On Wednesday, 6 August, the House voted on several Government and Private Bills.
Passed Bills
- Personal Health Information Protection Bill 2025 passed by 16 - 0 votes.
- Whistleblower Protection Bill 2025 with amendments passed by 16 - 0 votes.
- Civil Registration and Digital Identification Bill 2025 with amendments passed by 17 - 0 votes.
- Money Laundering And Proceeds Of Crime Bill 2025 with amendments passed by 17- 0 votes.
- Privacy Bill 2025 with amendments passed by 17 - 0 votes.
- Maintenance of Illegitimate Children (Amendment) Bill 2025, a Private Bill was passed with amendments by 16 - 0 votes.
- Communications (Amendment) Bill 2025 passed by 17 - 0 votes.
Rejected Bills
- District And Town Officers (Amendment) Bill 2025 was rejected by 6 - 9 votes.
- Fonos (Amendment) Bill 2025 was rejected by 7 - 9 votes.
When the House ended its session on Thursday, 7 August, Tongatapu People’s Representative no.3 Siaosi Sovaleni and Acting Prime Minister, Dr. Taniela Fusimalohi wished members luck for their campaign.
Tongatapu Noble’s Representative no. 2, Lord Tu’ivakano reminded the House members of their purpose in the Legislative Assembly, “to serve His Majesty and the people.” He advised members to not be proud of their works. He then reminded the Minister for Justice, Hon. Mo'ale Finau that “no law is forever, only God’s.”
The Speaker of the House, Lord Fakafanua, announced that the House would be called in October to formally close the parliamentary session.
The General Election is scheduled for November. General Elections are held every four years in Tonga, with the last in 2021.
