Historical Election - Tonga

THE Kingdom of Tonga in the South Pacific began its peaceable transition from an absolute monarchy to a democratic government with the general election on November 25. The common people voted to elect 17 People's Representatives, and the nobles elected, from among themselves, nine members to the 26-member National Assembly. The new government, which is to be in place by December 26, will take over the executive powers once exercised by the King and his appointed Cabinet.

King George Tupou V described the election day as “the greatest and most historic day for our kingdom”. The Oxford-educated King will remain the head of state but will no longer exercise executive powers, nor will he appoint the Prime Minister and the Cabinet. He, however, retains the power to dismiss the government in certain circumstances. The winds of change blowing over the tiny island kingdom of Tonga have been a bit harsh for the group of islands known as the “Friendly Islands”. From a King-appointed government, Tonga has been thrust into the world of hard-boiled politics of backroom negotiations to elect a Prime Minister. The pro-democracy forces led by the Friendly Islands Democratic Party (FIDP) won 12 seats, but to make up the numbers for a majority in the legislature it requires the support of the non-FIDP People's Representatives, or the nobles' representatives.

The Tongan economy is dependent on agriculture, fishing, tourism, and the remittances sent home by Tongans living abroad, most of them in New Zealand, Australia and the United States. Primary education is free and compulsory for children between six and 14 years of age in state-run schools. The average life span is 70 years. The high level of unemployment in the country forces young people to go overseas for work.