Editor,

The highly contested parliamentary seats is an exciting story with 71 candidates competing for the 9 seats available. The democratic process will bring to the forefront those candidates that the people wish to be their government representatives. This is the time when those in government (current 9 representatives) will answer to the people.

The inherent beauty of democracy is on election day is Judgment Day; whereby ordinary men and women of ordinary status becomes jury of their government; render judgment upon those entrusted with the sacred responsibility to govern three years ago.

What will become of those also elected three years ago, but now govern as Ministers? No ill wishes towards the Honorable Prime Minister and Honorable Minister of Tourism; tapu ange mo kinaua, they will not have to answer to the good people of Tonga. They will not be subject to the scrutiny of the democratic process. The people of Tonga will not have an opportunity to vote them out or back to their government roles. They will in fact be protected by the status of appointmentship.

As for those running for government again, may the people of Tonga be the judge and may their voice be heard and respected. In the spirit of sportsman competition, may the best candidates win as the people sees fit.

Sincerely,

Thomas M. Uata

thomasuata [at] gmail [dot] com