Results for politics

Looking ahead, it is important to identify the areas in our electoral system and constitutional arrangement that might need attention in the future. It is important that a way is found to ensure future constitution-makers are enabled to make changes to the Constitution and Electoral Laws, as they see fit. For instance, if a decision was made to further democratise the Constitution, how could that be done? What would be the scope and depth of such an exercise? Could the present system of electorate-based voting be improved so that there is a balance between partisan obligations and national priorities? Some mechanism, too, must be found so that overseas Tongans can vote. And is “first-past-the-post” the most suitable electoral system for Tonga? - By Malakai Koloamatangi

Fakatapu ki he Tu’i ‘o e ‘Otu Tonga moe Fale ‘o Ha’a-Moheofo, Hou’eiki Nōpele, Fale Alea mo e Pule’anga ka e ‘um’aa ‘a e kakai ‘o e fonuā. Kae ‘ataa mu’a ke fai ha tānaki ki he fakatalanoa kuo feia meihe pāengani. Kuo mahino ko e sino pule ‘o e Pule’anga Fakavahe ‘oku taki ‘e he Pule-Fakavahe, memipa ‘a e kau ‘Ofisakolo, Fakafofonga Fale Alea, Pule ‘o e Va’a Pulengāue (Pa’anga, Tauhitohi, Ngāue Faka-Kalake moe Pule ‘o e Va’a Ngāue (Ako, Ngoue, Mo’ui, Langa, Kelekele, Sipoti). - ‘Inoke Hu'akau.

When you look at a building, you can see its walls, windows, and decorative flourishes but not the hidden structure that holds everything together. Yet during an earthquake, or after years of strain, that unseen framework can suddenly collapse. The same is true of the fragile political structures that support much of the developing world. By Ricardo Hausmann

Koia ai, ‘oku ou poupou kakato kihe fakakaukau kuo fiema’u ‘a Tonga ke fakava’e ha ‘Epoki Fo’ou kihe talanoa Faka-Politikale, ko e Politikale ‘o e Ngāue. Na’a tau ‘osi a’u kihe tūkunga faka-politikale ko ‘eni ‘ihe pālemia ‘a Tungi (Tupou IV) pea ‘e malava ketau toe a’u kiha kuonga pehee. Koe Fili ‘o e 2025, ko e ‘uluaki faingamālie ia ke fakava’e ‘ae ‘epoki fo’ou koeni.... - Inoke Fotu Hu’akau

As the Tongan Parliament prepares to elect a new Prime Minister, our nation stands at a critical juncture. The political climate within the House is fraught with division, animosity, and mistrust — challenges that threaten not only the effectiveness of governance but also the hope of a united future for Tonga. In such turbulent times, what Tonga urgently needs is a leader with a clear and compelling vision — one that transcends individual differences and inspires collaboration. - Seni Penitani

Tonga's Privy council will meet with King Tupou VI in Vava'u, tomorrow, Thursday 28 March. Members of the Privy Council are gathering in Neiafu today, ahead of the meeting.

Rev. Dr Palu (Letters, 11 Feb.) makes a crucial mistake in asserting that the King has executive authority over government, as the King does not. 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. - Max K.

A member of parliament was suspended from the Legislature this morning for seven days, after he offended the Prime Minister Hon. Hu'akavameiliku, who had filed a formal complaint against him alleging use of inappropriate words. From the House, by Pesi Fonua.

There were a number of big issues raised by Members during question time in the Tonga Legislative Assembly yesterday, 15 February. But the most sensitive questions were those asked about the Prime Minister, who has been absent from the House for over three months. MPs wanted to know more about the disagreement between King Tupou VI and his Prime Minister that has dragged on for two weeks.