The PSA has withdrawn their demand for salary rise for all public servants but has stated that it will represent its demands to a newly elected government next year.

The disagreement between the Tongan government, and the Public Service Association over their demand for a 22% salary rise ended in a stalemate on Friday evening, October 17.

Mele 'Amanaki the Secretary General of the PSA said they called off their strike action because they were concerned about the safety of their members after government hinted that they may activate Emergency Powers; and secondly, that government may postpone the November General Election.

Mele, a candidate herself, stressed that they wanted the November election to go ahead because, "we want to get rid of this government."

She is currently employed by the PSA and is no longer a public servant.

Law and order

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the government, the Minister of Justice, Hon. Clive Edwards denied that government had ever hinted at introducing the Emergency Powers to maintain law and order.

He was sure that Mele 'Amanaki was stirring up the civil servants as part of her campaign for the November General Election.

Clive is also a candidate for the November General election.