From the House by Pesi Fonua

A motion for Vote of No Confidence in the Prime Minister Hon. Rev. Dr Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa was submitted to the Speaker of the Tongan Parliament yesterday 9 December, is expected to be tabled into parliament when it resumes at 10:00am Tuesday, 12 January 2021.

The Motion signed by 10 Members of Parliament was submitted to the Office of the Speaker by Semisi Sika, the No. 2 People’s Representative for Tongatapu.

The 26 elected members of the Tongan Parliament are made up of 17 People’s Representatives, and nine Nobles’ Representatives.

According to a statement from the Office of the Legislative Assembly, the motion cannot be tabled into the House until at least five working days have lapsed after its submission, but no more than 14 working days after it was received.

“The Lord Speaker has interpreted “working days” under the rules of proceedings to exclude public holidays and the government's approved public holiday from 21 December 2020 to 1 January 2021, and weekends.

”The tentative date set by the Speaker for the Motion to be tabled with the House is at its next meeting on 12 January 2021,” said the statement.

The Tongan Parliament was declared closed for its Christmas Holidays by the Speaker this afternoon, to resume at 10:00am Tuesday, 12 January 2021.

Meanwhile, the Speaker has referred the Motion of Vote of No confidence to the House’s Standing Committee for Privileges.

The Speaker has also extended to the Hon. Prime Minister an opportunity to submit a reply to the motion, which will also be referred to the Standing Committee for Privileges.

Before the House closed this afternoon, Lord Tu'ivakano on behalf of the Nobles Representatives wished everyone a Merry Christmas. But he also wondered what happened to a letter that was supposed to be distributed to members today.

Today was Parliament's last meeting of the year.