Accommodating monarchy and representative government: Tongas political reform process

Abstract

Next year, 2010, is destined to be a landmark year in Tonga's history, in which we will witness the most significant changes to the country's political institutions since its iconic Constitution was promulgated 134 years ago. In July last year, the government put into effect a plan that would lock reform processes into a statutory timetable. The act establishing the Constitutional and Electoral Commission requires it to submit recommendations with draft legislation within 10 months of appointment-that is, by 5 November 2009-with the intention that, after consideration by the Legislative Assembly and passage of legislation, the assembly elections will be held in 2010 under the changed system. Concerns have been expressed, however, about the short time frame, and it might be too soon to tell whether 2010 will fulfil its destiny. Show more