Parliament opens January 15 [1]
Tuesday, January 13, 2015 - 17:51. Updated on Tuesday, January 13, 2015 - 17:53.
The members of Tonga's Legislative Assembly will sit for the first time after the General Election on Monday, 19 January.
Three nobles will officially open the session at 10:30am on Thursday, 15 January at Parliament House.
On 19 January, the House will sit at 10:00am and the members of parliament will take their oath.
Parliament's office today said that first up on the agenda is to consider a reply to the king's opening address. Once the reply is confirmed, parliament will adjourn while two members deliver the reply to the King.
The House will appoint the Chairman of the Whole House Committee as well as members and chairs of Parliamentary Standing Committees.
Meanwhile, a two-day induction program will be held on January 14-15 to familiarise parliamentarians, particularly new members who have never sat in parliament before, with the rules and proceedings of the House.
The first sitting of the Parliament is required by law to be held within six-weeks from the date of return of the Writs of Election.