The evolution of political reform in Tonga made a giant leap earlier this month.

On November 10 the Prime Minister, Prince 'Ulukalala Lavaka Ata announced that four new ministers will be appointed by the King following the Parliamentary Election in February next year.

Six days later on November 15, the Prime Minister's daughter, Princess Latufuipeka, officially opened the 2004 session of the Tonga Youth Parliament. The Youth Parliament was initiated in 2002, and significant this year was the fact that for the first time all the 30-members of the Youth Parliament were elected by the youth of Tonga.

Whether by design or by co-incidence, the Youth Parliament could become a mock parliament, a guinea pig parliament, call it whatever you like, but it could become a model on which political theories could be tested.

Take note, that when the Youth Parliament ended its three-days of deliberations for this year it produced more resolutions to be presented to government than the real Parliament did during its five months of deliberation this year! In 2004 the real parliament passed only one resolution, which was verbally presented by Prince Tu'ipelehake. No other motions were put through the House.

The Youth Parliament offers an opportunity for Tonga to structure a unique form of parliament, as did Tupou I and his followers during the late 19th century.

See also: Youth Parliament wants votes for 18 year olds [2]