Democracy is not for Tonga [1]
Wednesday, November 22, 2006 - 14:00. Updated on Sunday, December 15, 2013 - 19:07.
Editor,
The riots in Nuku'alofa are a clear polarization of the current government, its policies and proposals, and its people. And now, the timetable for reasonable dialogue toward elections in 2008(?) may not be soon enough.
Too late for any statistics to discern the recent controversial House pay hikes, or calls and criticism to protestors to stop the ...kaikaila noa'ia... or ...maumau taimi.... Most of the Tongan community, Tonga and abroad, have been awaiting action from the government to address the political reform proposals. Instead, the government makes its own proposal and ships it overseas for neighborly approval. The House assembly does not act to address the reform proposals, and closes down for the year. And to top it off, self-approve themselves an extremely generous pay hike (60% increase!?!?!?, and oh yeah, make it retroactive too) and then close shop for the holidays, and all go merrily shopping. All this while there are protestors brewing in town, squatting on public land (not in the comfort of their homes), awaiting acknowledgement by the government to address their pleas for reform. I condemn riots, and I live in democratic society that experiences civil unrest on occasion, and some of it equally violent. But surely someone must've considered a violent protest a possibility.
Right?
I'm sure the argument by the government and royal enthusiasts, for delays to address reform, is one of careful review and timely prudence. Ah, the side of sound wisdom and collective calm. Afterall, a change of government, especially to a new form of rule isn't something that takes place overnight. Unless of course, it's a coup of some sort, or an all out course of revolution. I don't mean to add hysteria to all this, but what side of the political isle are we staring at? On one hand, you have the side of the government who has made their proposal that is seemingly rejected by the people (aka, violence in the streets of the capital). On the other, the
Temo's seem a fractured group with multiple proposals, bickering among its lead proponents on which road to take, and an apparent lack of leadership to control their supporters. I mean, if there is blame to be layed out
regarding the riots, it clearly indicates the leaders of the Temo movement have no ability to control their supporters. Temo's, hello, is anyone steering the ship over there? If these riots are any sign of things to
come, you Temo's better hold on to your ta'ovala. Because I'm certain nobody wants any piece of your action.
In the absence of sound political leadership, issues that rise to the top are caste rivalries and communal considerations. And the ...have-nots... in Tonga have smashed, looted, plundered, and burnt their point into Tongan history. If there is something to be learned from all this, its certainly how a ruling class have promoted their self interests above its subjects (are Temo sponsors in da house listening?). I don't want to get ahead of
myself because the late King was an exception, and surely the last of his class. But when the heirs of the ruling class decide to take-over government/municipal service entities as their personal businesses, how
can something like that be well perceived by its subjects? It could possibly develop a bit of a rough start early in one's political career.
I've always believed democracy was not right for Tonga, and now I'm absolutely certain of it. But, we're further down the road than most of us think we are, and perhaps Tonga has little alternative. Outside political
pressures calling for reform will certainly get louder, with the recent riots, there are now fewer forks in the road ahead especially for assembly members. I recall the proverb of how "many are called, but few are chosen." Who are Tonga's chosen?, or better framed, who does Tonga choose? If history is to repeat itself in Tonga, whistle-blowers and finger-pointers typically are not good leaders themselves, although, they can surely
recognize a corrupt leader when they see it. Are there any women in the house?
Sincerely and respectfully yours,
'Alipate Sanft
asanft [at] mangofinancial [dot] com