27 Aug 2017

Tonga govt assures country of normality

1:57 pm on 27 August 2017
King Tupou VI commissions the MV Maui

Tonga's King Tupou VI made the decision to dissolve parliament on Thursday. Photo: Tonga Govt

Tonga's government says the country will continue to function as normal, after the King's sudden decision to dissolve parliament.

King Tupou last week made the decision to declare elections a year early, an effective vote of no confidence in Prime Minister 'Akilisi Pohiva.

Mr Pohiva's government will continue in an interim role until the elections, set down for November 16.

His cabinet met yesterday, before a brief statement was read on the country's public radio.

It provided no reaction to the decision, except to say that the administration of government services will continue.