Lord Fakafanua: Betraying Trust, Undermining Tonga’s Democracy
Lord Fakafanua holds one of the most critical roles in Tonga’s governance. Entrusted with upholding the Constitution, protecting the dignity of Parliament, and ensuring decisions align with the nation’s best interests, the Speaker is expected to operate with impartiality and integrity. However, recent actions by Lord Fakafanua suggest a troubling departure from these responsibilities, undermining Tonga’s democratic and constitutional framework.
The recent mishandling of a motion of no confidence exemplifies serious procedural and ethical shortcomings. Instead of maintaining the confidentiality required for such motions, Lord Fakafanua prematurely forwarded the document to the Prime Minister, granting the Executive branch a significant advantage. This unauthorised act gave the government a full week to prepare a counterstrategy before the motion reached the House floor—a move neither permitted by the Constitution nor Parliamentary Standing Orders.
By allowing the Prime Minister to pre-emptively respond, the Speaker compromised the integrity of Parliamentary processes. His justification—a desire to “minimise delays”—undermines the importance of no-confidence motions as a vital accountability mechanism.
The decision to grant the government undue influence sets a dangerous precedent, weakening Parliament’s role as a check on the Executive. The Speaker’s duty is to uphold democratic principles and ensure fairness, not to prioritise governmental convenience. Such actions risk eroding public confidence in Tonga’s legislative processes.
Beyond his Parliamentary missteps, Lord Fakafanua’s involvement in Tonga’s rugby league raises additional concerns. As chair of a newly formed body aiming to replace the Tonga National Rugby League (TNRL), he has aligned himself with factions that have disrupted the sport’s unity. The TNRL, which has successfully administered the sport since 1986, now faces challenges fuelled by external influences, including the International Rugby League (IRL).
Adding to the controversy is Lord Fakafanua’s connection to Tavake Fangupo—a property tenant who represents rival factions. Notably, Mr. Fangupo was expelled from the TNRL by Court Order on 12 November 2018 for failing to account for financial statements and money he was in charge of. These factions have exploited Tonga’s rugby legacy for corporate gain, jeopardising the grassroots community that built Mate Ma’a Tonga into a global phenomenon.
By supporting these rival groups, Lord Fakafanua risks undermining Tonga’s sovereignty in sports governance and alienating the nation’s passionate rugby community. This involvement raises serious questions about his impartiality and judgment, given the negative consequences for Tonga’s sporting unity and identity.
As Speaker, Lord Fakafanua is obligated to act impartially and uphold the dignity of Parliament. His actions, however, reflect a disregard for these responsibilities. From undermining the legislative process to prioritising personal affiliations in Tonga’s rugby league affairs, he has diminished public trust and weakened the institutions he is sworn to protect.
The role of the Speaker demands integrity, impartiality, and an unwavering commitment to the Constitution. Lord Fakafanua’s recent actions cast doubt on his ability to fulfill these responsibilities. To restore confidence in Tonga’s governance, Parliament must re-evaluate the Speaker’s role and implement safeguards to ensure impartiality in the future. The people of Tonga deserve nothing less than a Speaker who upholds their oath and prioritises the nation over personal interests.
