The Tongan government is struggling to free Tonga from its commitment to host the 2019 Pacific Games.

Parliament spent a whole day today, including an evening session, debating whether or not to go ahead with the games.

Last week a Motion for an Order to tell Government to Host the 2019 Pacific Games was presented. Today parliament rejected that motion with votes of 13-9.

Bill to terminate

During an evening session, the Whole House Committee passed a Bill to Terminate the Pacific Games Organizing Act 2013. 11 members voted to terminate the games and 9 voted in favour of the games.

This Bill to terminate the Pacific Games Organizing Act 2013 has yet to have its third and final reading in Legislature before it can become law.

The hosting of the games is connected to the annual budget, which has yet to be passed. Parliament has two more working days to pass the budget.