Politics of Tonga
Constitution |
---|
Administrative divisions |
Parts of this article (those related to the democratic reforms implemented in 2010) need to be updated.(March 2012) |
The politics of Tonga take place in a framework of a
Tonga joined the Commonwealth of Nations in 1970, and the United Nations in 1999. While exposed to colonial forces, Tonga has never lost indigenous governance, a fact that makes Tonga unique in the Pacific and boosts confidence in the monarchical system. The British High Commission in Tonga closed in March 2006.
Tonga's current king,
Executive
Office | Name | Party | Since |
---|---|---|---|
King | Tupou VI | 18 March 2012 | |
Prime Minister | Siaosi Sovaleni | Independent
|
27 December 2021 |
Its
Legislature
The Legislative Assembly is composed of representatives of the Nobles and representatives of the people. This composition is established by Article 59 of the Constitution as amended by the " Constitution of Tonga amendment Act 2010 "[2] Article 51 of the same Act allows the PM to nominate and the King to appoint up to 4 extra cabinet members from outside the Assembly.
The current composition is:
- 9 Nobles
- 17 Elected by Commoners
Political parties and elections
The electoral system was changed in April 2010, with 17 of 26 representatives now directly elected.[3]
By-elections
Below is a list of recent or upcoming by-elections:
Election | Date | Reason | Winner |
---|---|---|---|
2005 Tongatapu by-election | 5 May 2005 | Feleti Sevele's elevation to Cabinet | Clive Edwards |
2011 Tongatapu 9 by-election | 15 September 2011 | Death of Kaveinga Fa’anunu
|
Falisi Tupou (DPFI) |
2016 Vavaʻu 16 by-election | 14 July 2016 | ‘Etuate Lavulavu 's election voided (bribery and campaign overspending)
|
'Akosita Lavulavu
|
2019 Tongatapu 1 by-election | 28 November 2019 | Death of ʻAkilisi Pōhiva | Siaosi Pohiva (DPFI)
|
2022 Ha’apai 12 by-election
|
1 September 2022 | Death of Viliami Hingano | Moʻale Finau |
2022 Tongatapu by-elections | 3 November 2022 | Unseating of Tatafu Moeaki, Poasi Tei, and Sione Sangster Saulala | Mateni Tapueluelu (Tongatapu 4), Dulcie Tei (Tongatapu 6), Paula Piukala (Tongatapu 7) |
2023 Tongatapu 8 by-election | 19 January 2023 | Death of Semisi Fakahau | Johnny Taione |
2023 Tongatapu 10 by-election | 13 July 2023 | Death of Pōhiva Tuʻiʻonetoa | Kapelieli Militoni Lanumata |
2024 Vavaʻu 14 by-election | 28 March 2024 | Resignation of Saia Piukala | TBA |
Courts
Tonga's court system consists of the
The judiciary is headed by a
Administrative divisions
Tonga is divided in three island groups; Ha'apai, Tongatapu, Vava'u. The only form of local government is through town and district officials who have been popularly elected since 1965. The town official represents the central government in the villages, the district official has authority over a group of villages.
See also
- Electoral calendar
- Electoral system
- Lists of political parties
- 2006 Tonga riots
References
- ^ "Tonga's king to cede key powers", BBC, July 29, 2008
- ^ "Act of Constitution of Tonga (Amendment) (No.2) Act 2010" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-08-30. Retrieved 2012-06-19.
- ^ "Tonga's pro-democracy movement hails assembly reform". Radio New Zealand International. 2010-04-21. Retrieved 2010-04-22.
External links
- Adam Carr's Election Archive
- Dobell, Graeme (April 29, 2007). "Tension in Tonga over state of emergency". ABC Correspondents Report.