Those who advocate for reducing the monarchy's power should recognize that every nation carries a unique political history and corresponding political theology, shaping its governance and societal values.... For democracy to succeed in Tonga, its proponents must address the foundational issue of unity. Efforts to replace the monarchy must consider the cultural, religious, and historical fabric that holds the nation together. Democracy cannot thrive in a fractured environment...Tonga’s unique context demands a governance model that respects its traditions while accommodating aspirations for representation and reform. - Peni Senituli.
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Results for Tonga Democracy
Sunday 5 January 2025
2 comments
Utah, USA
Sunday 11 February 2024
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
The PM and his Cabinet should remember the uniqueness of our kind of democracy. Ours is not like the British democracy where the King has no executive power. Ours is a democracy under Constitutional monarchy. The King has the ultimate executive authority over the Government. He can dissolve Parliament if it deems necessary as he has done with 'Akilisi's government back then. Our Constitution, and especially Clause 51 retains the King's authority over Cabinet by giving him authority to endorse ...the appointments of Cabinet ministers. So, it will be good for the current administration not to resist the authority of the King in this matter. - Rev Dr Ma'afu Palu
Thursday 31 December 2015
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
A year after Tonga’s second democratically elected government came into power at the end of December 2014, Tongan politics is stuck in the doldrums. The repetition by PM Hon. ‘Akilisi Pohiva that his government has the will to "take action" guided by the high moral principles of "good leadership, rule of law - justice for all and the fair distribution of national wealth," so far, are just hot air. The difference between what has been said and what has happened, speaks for itself. Editor's Comment by Pesi Fonua.
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Monday 30 November 2015
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
This is perhaps the most embarrassing and disappointing news about a Tongan government in the most recent times. This PM was well known for preaching against the previous Kings and their system of government, for not allowing justice and the voice of the people to be heard by the Government. - Rev Dr Ma'afu'otu'itonga Palu
Friday 11 September 2015
1 comment
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
I would like to thank Lord Tu’ilakepa for taking the fight against nepotism to Parliament. Sadly, most of the People’s Representatives voted against the motion thereby closing the door on democracy in favour of an undemocratic, unconstitutional, uncivilized nepotistic leadership style. -Senolita Swan
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Wednesday 9 September 2015
1 comment
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
A motion/resolution by Lord Tu‘ilakepa to try to put the position of the Prime Minister's Personal Assistant under the civil service, was rejected by the Tongan Parliament yesterday, 8 September. The concern was that the civil service has a recruitment procedure whereas the PM's son was appointed privately to the position. From the House by Pesi Fonua.
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Wednesday 21 May 2014
1 comment
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
‘Atenisi University will hold a “festival of democracy” next month, starting on June 17. The two-week event will include various speakers and panel discussions on democracy in Tonga as the country prepares for upcoming general elections in November this year.
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Thursday 23 January 2014
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
An electoral and civic education programme held in Nuku'alofa last week was aimed at boosting the institutional capacity of Tonga to undertake elections.
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Wednesday 22 December 2010
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North Carolina, USA
I fear for the future of my adopted country when, after four years of supposed progress, it seems like nothing has really changed. I pray my pessimism is unfounded, and indeed that these elections will usher in a new government and a better future for Tonga. However, from a distance, it seems like the power remains in familiar hands, and that these hands have and will continue to be self serving, without the accountability that elected officials must show. - Scott Yurcheshen.
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Monday 17 December 2007
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Editor, I had a Nightmare, about Harder's "I had a Dream". ... It is clear that this troubled Lawyer has quickly been absorbed into the mentality and rhetorical language like a megaphone for 'Akilisi, 'Uliti Uata, Clive Edwards, Lepolo Tanusila, 'Isi Pulu and the Pangai Si'i mob. -'Inoke Fotu Hu'akau
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Thursday 1 February 2007
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Kolofo'ou, Tonga
Joe is quite right that the Tonga police and military are not big enough to deal with an insurgency because Tonga did not need a big police force or military as Tonga was the proud Friendly Islands until the 16/11. You misfits must be proud of what you did to Nuku'alofa and the business people who are the backbone of our economy. ...Tonga needs a new version of democracy- Taasi Holiday
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Wednesday 15 November 2006
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Alaska, USA
Ne u pehe 'e au 'oku ninimo pe ta'e mahino e fokotu'u fakakaukau 'a S. Moehau, ko e mahino kiate au 'a e talanoa 'a Moehau 'oku ne tuku mai 'a e mo'oni 'oku takitaha pe 'a e fonua mo honau tukunga. Ko Siaina ko honau fe'unga pe 'o kinautolu e fa'ahinga Pule'anga koia'. Ko 'Amelika 'oku fe'unga pe kinautolu mo honau fa'unga pea pehe pe kihe ngaahi fonua kotoa pe 'o kau ai a Tonga. Ko 'Iulaki ko honau fe'unga pe 'o kinautolu a Sadam, he ko e tu'u he taimi ni kuo lahi ange e mate he taimi ni he mate 'oku tukuaki'i kihe tangata, pea 'oku tupu ia mei he fakaaoao 'a 'Amelika kae hili koia' 'oku fetaa'utu'i e masiva 'i 'Amelika he 'aho kotoa pe. -Siosaia Moimoiangaha
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Tuesday 6 June 2006
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Melbourne, Australia
The Tongan Government floats about aimlessly. At this time of political turmoil, the Royals would not want one of their own to be blamed when the wheels falls off the govt yet again. Their answer would be to say that it was one of your candidates. -Sione Tapani Mangisi.
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Wednesday 21 July 2004
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Tonga's Constitutional Monarchy form of Government came under scrutiny during a three-day Human Rights Educational and Awareness Consultation seminar that was hosted by the Human Rights and Democracy Movement in Tonga in Nuku'alofa, July 7-9.
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