constitution

Tonga

Alternative constitution

The leader of Tonga’s Pro-Democracy Movement, Akilisi Pohiva, has said he is preparing an alternative constitution for his country. Pohiva, who is a commoner representative in the nobility-dominated parliament, said such a document was the last peaceful attempt to change the system.

Under Tonga’s 1875 constitution, King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV, appoints the 12-member cabinet, while the kingdom’s 10 nobles elect nine members of the legislature. Pohiva has been calling for universal elections for all assembly members, with the members of parliament electing Cabinet members. He said frustration among the people was growing and his movement must try every peaceful strategy. But he warned that if the new bid were rejected, non-violent demonstrations would follow.