POLITICS

As Tonga prepares to elect a new Prime Minister following the resignation of Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni amidst a Vote of No Confidence filed by Dr. Aisake Eke and 10 other MPs, the race for leadership has gained momentum. On Friday, 20 December 2024, the Office of the Lord Speaker of the Legislative Assembly received the […]

With Prime Minister Sovaleni now out, Tonga stands at a critical moment. The pressing question for Parliament is whether re-electing the same individuals responsible for past missteps can deliver the fresh thinking needed to address the nation’s mounting challenges. The Cost of Mismanagement: Lulutai Airline One glaring issue is the nearly $20 million paʻanga of

A social media post celebrating the achievements of former Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni’s tenure (2021–2024) warrants closer scrutiny. While his leadership during a turbulent period has drawn praise, a deeper analysis exposes a legacy overshadowed by missed opportunities, sluggish economic development, and political missteps. To truly understand his tenure, we must disentangle rhetoric from reality.

Tonga finds itself at a historic crossroads. The unexpected resignation of Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni during his final speech in Parliament, delivered just before the scheduled vote of no confidence, has thrust our nation into a constitutional dilemma. This unprecedented decision has raised critical questions about the authority and role of a caretaker government and

The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Lord Fakafanua, has officially invited Elected Representatives to submit nominations for the position of Prime Minister Designate. This follows the resignation of former Prime Minister Hon. Hu’akavameiliku (Siaosi ‘Ofa ki Vahafolau Sovaleni) on December 9, 2024. Nominations must be submitted to the Speaker’s Office by 4:30 PM on Monday,

The sudden resignation of Lord Tu’i’afitu, Tonga’s Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, has unveiled deep-seated tensions between the monarchy, the government, and the sensitive issue of land administration. While the official reasons for his departure remain unclear, it appears to be the culmination of several contentious incidents, including cabinet pressure and royal dissatisfaction. This

The Prime Minister has formally requested an extension from the Speaker to submit his response to the Motion of No Confidence. Initially due by 12 noon on Friday, November 29, 2024, the new deadline is set for 12 noon on Wednesday, December 4, 2024. The motion was originally scheduled to be tabled on Tuesday, December

The storm clouds of political uncertainty loom large over the corridors of Tongan politics as Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku Sovaleni braces for a second Vote of No Confidence in as many years. Scheduled for Tuesday, December 3, 2024, this parliamentary showdown has become a litmus test for Sovaleni’s leadership and his government’s capacity to navigate growing

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

The current structure of Tonga’s Parliament has allowed for the concentration of power in the hands of a single individual, undermining efforts for democratic reform that have been supported by both royal and popular acclaim. Democratic reform is about ensuring that no individual holds disproportionate influence over the legislative or executive branches. It advocates for