The Tonga Court of Appeal's first session will be held from March 29 to April 8 and will hear an appeal by former Tongatapu No. 4 People’s Representative to Parliament, Mateni Tapueluelu.

Tapueluelu lost his seat after a Supreme Court ruling on December 11, 2015 declaring his election unconstitutional due to outstanding debts in a court order from 2011.

This Court of Appeal sitting is expected to hear 11 appeal cases, including Tapueluelu's, at the Nuku’alofa Supreme Court.

Presiding judges include the Vice-Chairman Hon. Mr Justice Michael Moore, Hon. Mr Justice Peter Blanchard, Hon. Mr Justice Ken Handley and Hon. Mr Justice Tupou.

Meanwhile, former Vava’u No.16 People’s Representative to Parliament ‘Etuate Lavulavu who was unseated, after he was found to have committed bribery, by the Supreme Court, lodged his appeal on Friday, 11 March. It has not been confirmed, which sitting will hear his appeal.