A Motion for a Vote of No Confidence against the Prime Minister, Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni, and the Prime Minister’s response, will be tabled in the Legislative Assembly of Tonga next week on Tuesday, 3 December, 2024, the Office of the Legislative Assembly confirmed.

In a statement last night, the Office said it was now thoroughly vetting the motion to ensure compliance with the law.

The Legislative Assembly passed a motion to postpone its sitting scheduled for yesterday until to Tuesday.

“It is envisioned that this postponement would allow sufficient time for the government to prepare its response and for the Office of the Legislative Assembly to thoroughly vet both the motion and the government’s reply to ensure compliance with the law,” said the statement issued by the Chief Clerk, Gloria Pole'o.

Clause 50B(2)(a) of the Constitution, stipulates that a motion for a vote of no confidence in the Prime Minister may not be moved unless at least five working days’ notice of the intention to move such a motion has been given to the Speaker.

“The motion of no confidence was formally received by the Office of the Speaker on Saturday, 23 November 2024. The counting of five working days for notice of intention commences today Monday, 25 November. Because Monday 2 December 2024 is a public holiday, the motion will be tabled on Tuesday, 3 December 2024 in accordance with the Constitution and the Rules of Procedure of the Legislative Assembly.”

The Prime Minister has been given until midday Friday 29 November 2024 to submit to the Office of the Speaker their formal response to the motion.

“Once the motion and the government's reply have been vetted, they will be distributed to all the Members of Legislative Assembly,”  the Office of the Legislative Assembly stated.