INDEPENDENT NEWS

Tongan pro-democracy campaign resumes after burial

Published: Fri 29 Sep 2006 03:07 AM
Tonga’s pro-democracy campaign resumes after king’s burial
The Tongan People’s Council for Political reform is again canvassing public opinion on the kingdom’s political future.
The pro democracy group paused its activity when the king died but its members are back in the villages to campaign for their cause.
This comes two days before the National Committee for Political Reform is to present its report to the Speaker of parliament.
The report has canvassed Tongans world wide and it is expected that it will recommend a referendum on what kind of government the people want.
Our correspondent in Tonga, Mateni Tapueluelu, says the People’s Council led by Akilisi Pohiva wants the people to vote for a full democracy.
“Basically they want the people to elect all the parliamentarians and that is all the 30 members of parliament including the Prime Minister and then the Prime Minister picks his ministers.”
Mateni Tapuelelu says that would give Tongans democracy and a fully elected government .
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