After a three-months-long break, the Legislative Assembly of Tonga will convene from Monday 12 February 2024 at 2:00pm, to continue its proceedings of the 2023 parliamentary session. The Assembly has approved extended leave for two members: the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance, who have been absent from the House for longer than three months.

The last last meeting of the Legislature was on 9 November 2023.

The Chief Clerk, Gloria Poleo, announced today that the current parliamentary year [2023] will officially close on 2 May 2024.

She said that Members of Parliament are required to attend meetings of the Assembly.

“A Member who is absent from meetings for more than three consecutive months will lose his or her parliamentary seat, unless the further period of absence is approved by the Assembly.

“Approval was granted on 6 February 2024 (via circulation) for two Members of Parliament to be absent from meetings of the Assembly for more than three consecutive months.

“The Prime Minister, Hon. Hu’akavameiliku was absent from the House’s meeting on 7 November 2023, so his three-months period of absence was complete on 7 February 2024. His absence has been extended by an additional two weeks, due to official duties and medical reasons.

“The Minister of Finance, Hon. Tiofilusi Tiueti was absent from the House’s meeting on 7 November 2023, so his three-months period of absence was complete on 7 February 2024. His absence has been extended by 12 days, due to official duties,” she stated.

The agenda items to be considered at this month’s meetings will include government bills, regulations, reports from the House’s committees, annual reports from government ministries, audit reports, parliamentary visit reports, and parliamentary motions.