Victory for Tongan democracy movement
The Tongan pro-democracy movement has won a sweeping victory in elections for the nine seats reserved for commoners in a parliament dominated by the country's hereditary nobles.
Under the present constitution, Tonga's 30-seat parliament is composed of nine members elected by the people, nine elected by the 33 noble families and 12 ministers appointed by the king. Only nobles can be ministers.
Pro-democracy candidates won clear victories in six of the seats. Seats were won in all three of Tonga's main island groups. At least 55 candidates contested the February 4 election.
On the main island of Tongatapu, they polled almost double the votes of their nearest rival.
Tonga's pro-democracy leader, 'Akilisi Pohiva, said that the pro-democracy MPs would resubmit their proposal to replace the parliament with one fully elected by the people.
He said that New Zealand and Australia were aware that Tonga does not have a democratic political system and it is unreasonable for them to continue giving aid to a country where there's no proper accountability in government.
Pohiva denies that the pro-democracy movement is interested in violent change. This follows claims by police minister Akau'ola prior to the vote that pro-democracy candidates have engaged in treason by suggesting there could be political violence unless there was constitutional reform.
Pohiva has been denounced as a "Marxist" and a "terrorist" for advocating something no more radical than Britain's constitutional monarchy. Pohiva, through his newspaper Ko e Kele'a, has exposed government corruption and campaigned tirelessly for democratic change.
Prime Minister Baron Vaea had earlier said he did not see the election as a referendum on democracy. But he said if pro-democracy candidates win, the government would look at the potential for change within the culture of Tonga.
[Pacnews Service/Pegasus]