The present government of Tonga will continue as a Caretaker Government until elections take place, King Tupou VI proclaimed today.

In a media statement released this afternoon, the Office of the Lord Chamberlain stated that the King, "having considered advice from the Lord Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, has in accordance with Clauses 38 and 77(2) of Constitution of Tonga dissolved the Legislative Assembly, with effect from Thursday 24 August 2017 at 1700 hours."

The King commanded that new Representatives of the Nobles and People be elected to enter the Legislative Assembly at Elections to be held no later than 16 November 2017.

Today's three paragraph statement clarified the interim governance of Tonga.

"Until those Elections take place, the present Government will continue as Caretaker Government. During this time, the administration of Government services especially the Health and Educational services to the People should remain a priority."

Health and education

The proclamation echoed the advice of the King when he opened the 2017-18 Session [2] of the Tonga Legislative Assembly in Nuku'alofa on 1 June 2017. The King had reminded the members of parliament of their responsibilities and called on government to develop the economy, be vigilant with government expenditure and also to address the needs of the people in relation to health, education and the state of Tonga's economy.

Tonga holds General Elections every four years, and the General Election was due to be held in 2018. By the King's command the election is brought forward by one year.