Tonga politics: a strange, and volatile situation [1]
Saturday, March 2, 2024 - 13:56. Updated on Thursday, April 18, 2024 - 23:10.
Dear Editor,
I would like to write a brief reply addressing the February 11th letter from Rev Dr Ma'afu Palu titled "King has executive authority over Government [2]." Rev Dr Palu makes a crucial mistake in asserting that the King has executive authority over government, as the King does not.
Per Clause 51(1) of the Constitution: "The executive authority of the Kingdom shall vest in the Cabinet, which shall be collectively responsible to the Legislative Assembly for the executive functions of the Government."
While the King does have the power to dissolve the Assembly (Clause 38), he does not have sole executive authority over the entire government.
Clause 51(3) of the Constitution clearly states that:
A Minister shall retain his position as Minister until –
his appointment is revoked by the King on the recommendation of the Prime Minister or in accordance with clause 50B;
he dies, resigns or is dismissed from office following impeachment under clause 75; or
he becomes ineligible to hold the office in accordance with this Constitution or any other law:
As of writing, there is yet to be a formal vote of no confidence on this matter, therefore, there is nothing executively that the King himself can do to remove PM Hon. Hu'akavameiliku or Minister 'Utoikamanu from their ministerial positions until such a vote takes place, which it very well might. Rev Dr Palu's assertions that these two ministers could be charged with high treason seem mostly to be hyperbole.
The King can, as stated before, dissolve parliament, however there is only a brief period of time in which parliament can be dissolved before a new election or appointment must take place (as per Clause 38).
This is a strange, and volatile situation. Contrary to what Rev Dr Palu implies, it would be better for Tonga if the King was to cooperate with the PM, not the other way around.
Cheers, Max K. (pseudonymn)