POLITICS

Cook the books is a pejorative term for when governments manipulate accounting records by not releasing monthly budget reports and quarterly ministerial expenses, under-reporting expenses in treasury statements, amplifying revenue, and exaggerating assets. Put simply, it refers to producing false financial statements. The purpose of this white-collar crime known as accounting fraud is to deceive […]

According to Dr Uhilamoelangi Fasi, education in Tonga was once celebrated as the highest in the Pacific, with exceptional teaching standards, high-quality curriculum delivery, well-equipped classrooms, and rigorous exams. It was a system admired throughout the region, producing students whose academic achievements stood as a testament to the nation’s commitment to education.  Dr. Uhilamoelangi Fasi,

A Critical Look at the New Government: Change or Business as Usual? The change of government always comes with high expectations from the public. The promise of reform, transparency, and renewed faith in the democratic system is often the rallying cry of any incoming administration. However, history has shown that a change at the top

In a revealing interview on an American podcast, Dr. ‘Uhilamoelangi Fasi, the People’s Representative for Tongatapu 2 and Chair of the Parliamentary Anti-Corruption Committee, shared his insights into the recent Vote of No Confidence (VoNC) against the Prime Minister and his administration. Dr. Fasi discussed the pressing issues that prompted him and other Members of

The recent resignation of Tonga’s Prime Minister has reignited debate over the kingdom’s governance. While critics often blame constitutional deficiencies and monarchical interference, a deeper issue remains unaddressed: government accountability. Since the 2010 democratic reforms, Tonga’s political system has faced significant challenges. However, pinning instability solely on the constitution or monarchy oversimplifies the problem. A

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,