By Tevita Motulalo
MSc Geopolitics and International Relations

This incident is not just a clash of personalities but a symptom of a legislative framework struggling to balance the roles of Nobles and Representatives. The time has come for Tonga to adopt a bicameral parliament, with a Senate and a House of Representatives, to preserve the dignity of both groups while meeting the nation’s evolving needs.

More importantly, that it avoids the failures by numbers—that the government have unquestioned dominance of Parliament. Meaning, Parliament have no ability to really “check” the Administration as personal loyalties drown professionalism and ethics, due to the short numbers.

The Strain of the Unicameral System

Our unicameral Parliament operates in two modalities: the solemn “House of Parliament Mode,” resembling an upper house with minimal debate, and the “Whole House Committee Mode,” allowing open discussion under a Committee Chair. This system, once innovative, now strains under modern demands. The recent altercation between a Lord MP and a Representative MP highlights this tension. The Lord MP, adhering to the formal expectations of the House of Parliament Mode, may have been justified in demanding decorum. Yet, the Representative MP, animated by his passion for his constituents, was equally justified in principle. The unicameral structure forces these conflicting roles into one chamber, creating friction that undermines effectiveness.

Honour crucial for the Morale and National Spirit

Beyond this incident, the Nobles face constant undue pressure in the unicameral system. Representatives, permitted a degree of ‘vulgarity’ and everyday in the Whole House Committee Mode (as opposed to high formal language in the full Parliament session), can direct sharp criticisms at the Nobles, who, bound by their expected dignity and demands of honourability, are often unable to respond in kind. This dynamic unfairly paints the Nobles’ restraint as silence or guilt in the public eye, particularly in media narratives. 

There needs to be a pragmatic approach recognised a pragmatic need for clear and free communication, but respectful language in the Tongan custom must not be discarded anyway.

Such misconceptions come at the expense of the Nobles, whose solemnity is not merely ceremonial but vital to the steady and stable morale and psychology of Tonga’s national dynamic. Their dignified presence anchors the country’s governance, and a bicameral system would protect this role by providing a separate Senate where their decorum is preserved.

A Bicameral Solution: Senate and House of Representatives

A bicameral system offers a practical solution by creating distinct forums for Nobles and Representatives. The Senate, composed of Nobles and appointed Life Peers, would maintain the solemnity befitting state officers overseeing critical issues like finance, national security, defence, and foreign policy. 

The House of Representatives, elected by the people, would serve as a dynamic platform for debate, allowing Representatives to express constituents’ concerns freely. This segregation ensures each group operates in a setting suited to its purpose, reducing conflict and enhancing legislative clarity.
Of course this does not mean they could not sit together. They together are still considered one Parliament. In fact, by choice, if both Houses so chooses, they can have a joint session where they can then simultaneously cast a vote on an issue. This includes the ballot for Prime Minister, and other extra-ordinary matters. When comes routine, run-of-the-mill, matters, MPs can choose to withdraw to their chambers and scrutinise in detail according their duties and roles.