25 Apr 2008

Tongan call to resume political reform debate in May

5:50 pm on 25 April 2008

The newly re-elected pro-democracy campaigners in Tonga want the Parliament to resume debate on political reform next month.

While the Government has already indicated reforms will be in place in time for an early election in 2010, the top polling MP on Tongatapu, Akilisi Pohiva, says the detail still needs to be debated.

He says his group would like changes in place so King George Tupou 5th can sign them into law during his coronation in August.

Mr Pohiva says the Government's proposal for the King to continue to appoint some of the MPs is unworkable.

"I don't see how such a system can work properly and provide a platform for our economic development. [We need to] make sure that all the people being elected are made accountable to one group, and that is the people."

Akilisi Pohiva