Results for Politics

The state of democracy in Tonga, since a more democratic system of government was introduced three years ago, was the focus of a 10 days ‘Festival of Democracy’ that opened on June 17, at the 'Atenisi University campus, Kolomotu'a.

Tonga’s Cabinet this afternoon supported the Prime Minister’s call for the resignation of the Minister of Finance, Hon. Lisiate ‘Akolo - who is refusing to stand down, after commenting on radio recently about a 5% salary rise for civil servants.

Tonga's Attorney General, Neil Adsett, said that a Parliamentary Select Committee that investigated the use of a multi million loan from China for the restructuring of Nuku'alofa had done a good job, but its report had no real finding of any person taking money they should not have had, or using money for themselves or against the interest of Tonga. But the Attorney General's freely expressed opinion has upset the Select Committee's chairman, 'Akilisi Pohiva.

FROM OUR ARCHIVES: Tonga's political reform introduced an elected government for Tonga in 2010 when constituencies voted for their favourite personalities, but the process lacks vision, according to one of the architects of the reform. Dr Sitiveni Halapua believes that Tonga's new electoral system needs to be revised, so that when a new government is elected into power, it should already have a clear vision of where they are taking Tonga. Interview by Pesi Fonua.

The 'Ikale Tahi's participation in the Rugby World Cup 2011 "is not in doubt", the International Rugby Board stated yesterday, 24 August, after seeking "urgent assurance" from Tonga's Prime Minister that there had been no government interference in the composition of the board.

A by-election to elect a new People's Representative for Tongatapu No. 9 will be held on September 15, the Electoral Supervisor Pita Vuki told Matangi Tonga Online on August 3.

Lets be honest on why do rich nations offer financial aid to poor ones: "They are given for political gains coveted by the richer countries." In diplomatic terms, they call it "national interests." - Sione Akemeihakau Mokofisi.

A petition reportedly signed by 150 police men and women, seeking the suspension of the Police Commissioner Chris Kelley, and resisting some of the reforms introduced under the $4m police development programme, was presented to the Tongan Cabinet on Friday, March 11.

The Paati Temokalati 'a e 'Otumotu Anga'ofa (PTOA) called a press conference this afternoon and invited members of the local media to ask questions.