Photos by Tupou Vaipulu / Matangi Tonga

Parliamentary representatives from Tonga, Fiji, Tuvalu and Niue gathered in Nuku'alofa this morning for the opening of a three days seminar to examine the core elements of democratic governance and build their capacity as parliamentarians.

New and returning Members of the Parliaments from the four Pacific Island countries are participating in a “Post-Election Seminar for CPA Pacific Region” delivered by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA).

The CPA 8th Secretary-General, Stephen Twigg, from London, was welcomed by Lord Fakafanua, Speaker of the Tonga Legislative Assembly.

This is the first ‘in-person’ seminar provided by the CPA Headquarters in the Pacific Region for almost five years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The seminar runs from 21-23 March 2023. Parliamentarians will learn from parliamentary colleagues and experts from across the Commonwealth in a range of sessions designed to examine the core elements of democratic governance and to share best practice.

Members will examine the separation of powers, climate change legislation, the role of Select Committees and increasing women’s representation in Parliaments.

Many of the Parliaments in the CPA Pacific Region are part of the CPA Small Branches network–jurisdictions that have a population of up to one million people – and so share many unique challenges in their parliamentary practice.

The CPA Small Branches Chairperson, Joy Burch, MLA, Speaker of the Australian Capital Territory Legislative Assembly, will share her expertise at the seminar, as well as MPs and Parliamentary Clerks from New Zealand, Tonga, Niue, with other regional experts.

Lord Fakafanua, formally opened the event.

“[It] comes at an opportune time for the Parliaments of Fiji and Tonga, following recent General and Bi-Elections of many new MPs. I believe that this CPA seminar will provide a great space for the Pacific Parliamentarians to discuss common issues and challenges and to identify ways in which solutions and best practices can be identified, with the assistance of the excellent panel of speakers who have been invited to facilitate this seminar. 

“We are grateful that the CPA Secretary General, Stephen Twigg will also be in attendance, demonstrating the CPA’s commitment to strengthening relations, promoting good governance and furthering cooperation between the CPA and Pacific Parliaments.”

The CPA 8th Secretary-General Stephen Twigg said, "Being here in Tonga completes my goal to travel to all nine regions of the CPA and I'm very happy to be here."

Sessions today looked at the institution of parliaments in the 21st century; the powers, privileges the members have and how they can work with rules of procedure to succeed in their roles.

Regional experts, from the Pacific climate Change Centre (SPC) were among speakers on a session on climage change and parliamentary action.

Tomorrow they will hear about the Legislative Process; Behaviour, Ethics and Standards; the role of Select Committees, and women's representation in parliament.

On the final day they will consider the importance of communication in functioning democracies, with insight into how to engage with the wider public, organisations and the media, to encourage information dissemination.

General Elections were held in Tonga on 18 November 2021 with elections for the 26 seats in the Legislative Assembly; in Fiji on 14 December 2022 to elect the 55 Members of Parliament; and in Tuvalu on 9 September 2019 for its 16 seats Parliament.

The CPA Secretary-General, Stephen Twigg, will also meet with parliamentary officials and visit two local schools to speak to students about the work of the CPA and the Commonwealth. 

The CPA promotes knowledge of the constitutional, legislative, economic, social and cultural aspects of parliamentary democracy and connects around 180 Parliaments across the Commonwealth.