Tonga needs to elect the right people and voters need to carefully consider what type of candidate they want to vote into parliament, HRH Princess Pilolevu said this morning, in opening a National Dialogue on Democracy Symposium at the Fa'onelua Centre.

"We utterly need to elect the right people. We need those that would not change their colours like an octopus - wherein the colour they preach to us today, will change when they get into Parliament," the Princess said, after listing ten qualities she believes are important to look for in choosing parliamentary representatives.

The National Dialogue on Democracy in Nuku’alofa from October 25-27 aims to provide a neutral forum for discussion for all sides to come together in preparation for Tonga's upcoming November 16 General Election. Organised by New Zealand’s Massey University Pasifika, led by its director, Associate Professor Malakai Koloamatangi, the symposium is attended by candidates, church leaders, civil society members, economists and other interested people.

Princess Pilolevu stressed that Tonga needs representatives in parliament who not only have integrity and are full of ideas, but also have good management skills, are team players and forward looking. They also need good health to work tirelessly through a four-year term in office.

"Not someone who has only just come in and learned the work on their iPad in parliament. ...we need someone to 'hit the tarmac running'."

The new Prime Minister will be chosen from the newly-elected representatives.

"And if that person gets in after the election and if he or she is voted as Prime Minister or a Cabinet Minister, it's another big leap."

 Princess Pilolevu said she believed that Cabinet needs to work together "and not look at each other and blame each other about things that have occurred in the past."

Ten qualities for a representative

1.    A candidate that believes in and worships God.

2.    Management skills. Experience in managing large work establishments.

3.    Commitment. Strive to create an economic environment that could attract overseas and local investors.

4.    A good leader who is a team player. A smart Prime Minister. He/she can work tirelessly.

5.    Full of ideas.

6.    Grounded in Tonga. Ministers in Cabinet to cut down on travel.

7.    Forward looking. "We do not need a leader who is busy laying charges against others or defaming another person."

8.    Consultative. "If parliament is planning to increase tax of any goods then a People’s Representative or Minister should call a meeting with stakeholders, before it is submitted to parliament."

9.    Integrity. "being righteous and virtuous".

10. Good health. No excuses, no avoiding responsibility.

Public Service not a VIP club

Princess Pilolevu urged ministers to cut down on their constant travel because their ministries needed their leadership at home. "Stay back and get to know the workers. From the CEO to the clerks and receptionist ...who welcomes us when we turn up and make enquiries at a government ministry. This would not happen if the Minister is busy travelling abroad all the time!"

"We need to emphasize to all civil servants in Government Ministries from secretaries to clerks and drivers, you are called civil servants, meaning you serve the people.

"It is not a VIP club that is prejudiced, or ex-students groups who are competing, who ride in the newest vehicles. We the people of this country pay taxes that pay for your salaries. And it is disheartening when people from rural villages are lining up at government ministries, and the civil servants are too busy playing on their phones."

The Princess pointed out how the ill health of government Ministers was costing Tonga lost investments.

"There have been many [would be] investors that have come to Tonga and left after a week because they weren’t able to have an appointment with a Minister because he has been sick. One would then hear the Minister say to his workers, I am just a caretaker. Leave it to the next government.

"We utterly need to elect the right people. We need those that would not change their colours like an octopus. Where in the colour they preach to us today, will change when they get into Parliament.

"These are just small points that I am concerned with. This is what is in my heart and in the men and women who seek me at my home at Mahinafekite to talk about the upcoming election."

Prime Minister

After the Princess finished her opening address, the Prime Minister Hon ‘Akilisi Pohiva and some of his Ministers came in late and sat down just as the vote of thanks was delivered to end the opening ceremony.

The Dialogue will include panels over three days on topics including the Tongan Constitution, Democracy, Economics and Business, Current Political Issues, and Media.