The Speaker and the Legislative Assembly of Tonga are facing judicial review proceedings brought by seven Members of Parliament, over allegations related to parliamentary procedure during the recent vote of no confidence against the Prime Minister.

A statement issued by the Chief Clerk of the Legislative Assembly today, said they had received notice of the judicial review proceedings against the Lord Speaker and the Legislative Assembly of Tonga (the defendants).

“It contains allegations arising from parliamentary procedures that was followed in respect of the motion for a vote of no confidence in the Prime Minister, Hon. Hu’akavameiliku, which was considered by the Legislative Assembly last month.”

“The judicial review is brought by seven of the ten Members of Parliament who had signed the motion of vote of no confidence in the Prime Minister.

“The defendants are presently considering their response to the matter under advisement from Legal Counsels.”

The Chief Clerk said this judicial review proceeding is the second judicial review involving the Legislative Assembly in the current parliamentary term.

“The first judicial review proceeding has been stayed pending an appeal by the Lord Speaker and the Assembly against the decision of the Supreme Court to dismiss their challenge to the jurisdiction of the court to inquire into the internal proceedings of the Assembly,” the Chief Clerk stated.