The Tongan Legislature has adjourned its proceedings and postponed the Parliamentarians national tour in July because of the Royal funeral of the late Prince Tu'’ipelehake and the late Princess Kaimana Tuku'’aho, according to Tevita '‘Ova the Chief Clerk of the House.

Tevita said on July 11 that the House was adjourned on June 30 for the King'’s 88th birthday on July 4. Following the king's birthday celebration, members were to start their national tour from July 17-30, then the normal proceedings of the house were to begin on July 31.

However, Tevita said that now the Parliamentarians scheduled tour of the country would be postponed and a new date will be set when the house resumed on July 31. "We have certain obligations to attend to during the royal funeral. The Tu'’ipelehake was currently a member of Parliament," said Tevita.

Since the Tongan Legislature opened on June 1, it has only been in full session for about 12 days.

Meanwhile the Electoral Officer, Pita Vuki confirmed today that the by-election for Ha'apai would take place as scheduled on July 20 the day that has been set for the bodies of the late Prince Tu'ipelehake and late Princess Kaimana to arrive in Tonga.