Editor's Comment, by Pesi Fonua

The composition of Tonga's Cabinet and Parliament remains in the most disordered state we have witnessed since the nation embarked on a democratic reform process in 2010.

The dissolution of parliament by HM King Tupou VI on 24 August 2017, a year before the elected Prime Minister Hon. ‘Akilisi Pohiva and his Cabinet were due to complete their four-years term in office, was a warning for Tongans to wake up, and to make the 2010 political reform work.

Prior to 24 August 2017 we had two governments in power under the more democratic system of government introduced in 2010.

The push for a more democratic system of government followed on from 1973 when Tonga was no longer a Protected State under the British, and then in 1999 we became a member of the United Nations.

Tonga was ready to play in the international arena.

Unfortunately, after the reform, the two governments that we elected into power were preoccupied with firstly, making sure that they would not be voted out of office; and secondly, trying to take control of the judiciary.

Our first government under our more democratic system of government, led by Lord Tu'ivakano from 2010-14, was followed by a second government led by Hon. ‘Akilisi Pohiva from 2014 until the Snap Election on 16 November 2017.

In looking at what they might be remembered for, there are a handful of things that stand out.

Lord Tu'ivakano's government

Lord Tu'ivakano's term in office was memorable, firstly, because they survived a drive by ‘Akilisi Pohiva and his supporters to knock them out of office with a Vote of No Confidence.

Secondly, was their memorable drive to reform Tonga’s judicial system by amending the Constitution and the Judicial and the Legal Service Commission Act, enabling Cabinet to have control of the judicial system. It cannot be forgotten because although the act was passed by parliament in August 2014, it has been awaiting the consent of His Majesty in Privy Council before it can become law.

'Akilisi Pohiva's government

Interestingly, when Hon. ‘Akilisi Pohiva and his Cabinet took office from the end of 2014 to the dissolution of parliament on 24 August 2017, the three memorable events during their term were their survival of a vote of no confidence; an attempt for Cabinet to have control over the judicial system; and, of course, the King's dissolution of parliament. Legislation to change the jucidial system was passed in third readings by the House, but the legislation is still awaiting the consent of His Majesty in Privy Council.

The re-election of Hon. ‘Akilisi Pohiva as Prime Minister and his government following the Snap Election of 16 November 2017, although politically interesting, has left Tonga with a parliament and government that are clearly in disarray.

At present we have an incomplete Cabinet, following the resignation on March 2 of Lord Ma'afu, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, and also the Minister responsible for His Majesty’s Armed Forces.

However, it now appears that the resignation has been rolled back. A new spokesperson for the Prime Minister, Lopeti Senituli confirmed that the Prime Minister had written to the King that he had now reappointed Lord Ma’afu as the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, and the Minister responsible for His Majesty’s Armed Forces.

Dismissals and reappointments

While dismissals and reappointments of Cabinet Ministers is going on, King Tupou VI has not given his consent to Lord Ma’afu's letter of resignation on 2 March. The King has also not given his consent to the letter of the PM dismissing ‘Akosita Lavulavu as the Minister for the Ministry for Internal Affairs, nor to the appointment of Losaline Ma’asi as the new Minister for Internal Affairs. His Majesty has also not given his consent to the appointment of Rev Dr Mohenoa Puloka as the new Governor of Ha’apai.

Amid of all these uncertainties, is a stand-off between the Judicial Appointments and Discipline Panel (JADP) of the Privy Council and the Minister of Police, and Cabinet over a decision by the JADP to extend the working contract of the Police Commissioner.

The complication of this stand-off is that JADP appoints the Police Commissioner, but the Minister of Police and Cabinet has to request the New Zealand government to pay for the salary of the Police Commissioner, a New Zealander.

Meanwhile, hot on the coconut wireless are rumours of other changes in the composition of the Cabinet.

Annual Budget

While uncertainties remain in the forefront, the big task ahead for cabinet and parliament is the National Annual Budget to be passed before 1 July. For historical reasons, this year it's no ordinary budget.

To balance Tonga's budget, we are increasingly reliant on ‘Budget Support’ from aid donors. In order to rebuild schools, roads, hospitals and infrastructure after national disasters, like Cyclone Gita on 12-13 February 2018, we are again relying on foreign aid. Latest estimates say the damage inflicted by Tropical Cyclone Gita to Tongatapu and 'Eua amounted to an eye-watering $356 million pa'anga [2].

This situation is complicated by the fact that our external debt remains a worry [3] at more than 40% of our Gross Domestic Products GDP. Therefore, it has become very difficult for our government to borrow money from such financial institutions as the World Bank.

So what's ahead for Tonga?

At the beginning of this new Financial Year we will start repaying our USD$119 million loan from the Exim Bank of China for the rebuilding of Nuku’alofa after it was destroyed by riots on 16 November 2006. The Tongan economy is still recovering from the damage to businesses, which amounted to nearly T$123.5 million [4], with 153 businesses affected, and 697 job losses. The 2006 tragedy plunged the nation into more debt, along with dire warnings that Tonga risks debt distress [5].

Now it is the lot of Hon. 'Akilisi Pohiva's incomplete, disordered, cyclone-striken government to start paying the riot recovery loans.