Tonga’s young democracy has been under intense scrutiny, with critics quick to point out the perceived failures of its leaders. The late Akilisi Pōhiva, the late Pōhiva Tu‘ionetoa, and Siaosi Sovaleni have all faced harsh assessments of their tenures, often labeled as examples of democratic shortcomings. But before we join the chorus of criticism, let’s pause and ask: Are we being fair? Are we missing the bigger picture?

Democracy is not a switch that can be flipped overnight. It is a journey—a messy, imperfect, and often frustrating process of trial and error. Tonga’s democracy is still in its infancy, and like any young system, it is bound to stumble along the way. Instead of condemning our leaders for their missteps, we should view their experiences as valuable lessons for building a stronger, more resilient democracy.

The Critics’ Blind Spot

One of the most glaring issues with the critiques of Tonga’s democratic leaders is the lack of a clear alternative. Critics are quick to point out what they perceive as failures, but they fail to provide a concrete example of an ideal democratic system for Tonga to emulate. Is the United States, with its deep political polarization and gridlock, the model we should aspire to? Or perhaps New Zealand, with its own unique historical and cultural context, is the benchmark?

Until these critics can point to a flawless democratic system, their critiques risk sounding hollow. As William F. Buckley Jr. once said, ‘We are made to ask what it is that political democracy gives us. The system is utilitarian. But is it a fit object of faith and hope?’ As Winston Churchill famously said, “Many forms of Government have been tried, and will be tried in this world of sin and woe. No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed, it has been said that democracy is the worst form of Government except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time. Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others.” No system is perfect, and Tonga’s democracy should not be judged against an unattainable ideal. Instead, we should focus on developing a system that works for Tonga—one that reflects our cultural values, historical context, and unique challenges.

The Late Akilisi Pōhiva: A Leader in Transition

The late Akilisi Pōhiva’s tenure as prime minister is often cited as a prime example of democratic failure. Critics point to his authoritarian tendencies, administrative inefficiencies, and strained relationships with the civil service and media. But let’s not forget that Pōhiva was a trailblazer for democracy in Tonga. He spent decades advocating for political reform, and his election as prime minister was a historic moment for the nation.

Pōhiva’s struggles were not unique to him. They are common in young democracies where leaders must navigate the difficult transition from opposition to governance. His tenure should not be seen as a failure but as a learning opportunity. It highlights the need for stronger institutional frameworks, better governance training, and mechanisms to ensure accountability and transparency.

The Late Pōhiva Tu‘ionetoa and Sovaleni: Continuity and Challenges

The late Pōhiva Tu‘ionetoa and Siaosi Sovaleni faced their own set of challenges. Tu‘ionetoa’s reliance on political patronage and Sovaleni’s struggles with crisis management have been widely criticized. But these issues are not unique to Tonga. They are symptomatic of a broader systemic problem that plagues many young democracies.

Rather than blaming these leaders, we should focus on addressing the structural weaknesses that contributed to their challenges. This includes strengthening anti-corruption measures, promoting merit-based appointments, and ensuring that power is distributed and checked.