King supports

Tonga

party formation

Tonga’s King Taufa’ahau Tupou is reported to be supporting the establishment of the kingdom’s first political party. The King has indicated he wants the formation of a Christian democrat party which would give him political backing.

The Prime Minister, Baron Vaea, reportedly told a secret meeting with church leaders the king was looking for support.

He appealed to the churches to resume their traditional function as what he called “trusted supporters” of the monarchy. Agence France Presse says it is understood the king’s move to get political support has created division within the Tongan Council of Churches which donated money to pay for a conference late last month to discuss the revision of the constitution.

The government confirmed it would not take part in the conference and participation by foreigners would be banneed.

The conference has been called by a pro-democracy group formed by four people’s elected membres of Tonga’s parliament. 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 appointed by the king.

Tonga’s next elections are to be held in February.