“The driving force behind the march was discontent by the public over the high cost of electricity,” reported the Matangi news service, and against the Shoreline company’s monopoly control over the nation’s electricity supply.

Manoa Vai, 40, told the New Zealand Herald that “we only use one light bulb at home, and we never make ice. We don’t like the way the royal family have abused their power.”

A petition read to the crowd was not only a protest against Shoreline, but also called for the king “to surrender power to the people” and “to become a ceremonial figurehead.”

The monarchy rules the island nation with near absolute power. Only nine of the country’s 30 members of parliament are popularly elected. The king and the holders of 33 noble titles choose the other 21 members. The march was organized by the “Demo” group of opposition politicians, and joined by church leaders, including Tonga’s Catholic bishop.

The imperialist rulers of Australia and especially New Zealand have long regarded Tonga as part of their special sphere of influence. A 2003 New Zealand government report raised concerns about growing instability in the island kingdom. At a time of unrest in other parts of the Pacific, the report said, “the stability in Tonga has had a certain appeal—but it is a stability that covers over deep cracks.”  
 
 
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