Vol. 72/No. 40      October 13, 2008

Emergency regulations were first imposed in 2006 after a street rebellion erupted in Nuku’alofa following a mass protest for democratic rights, and have been reduced in scope since. The new rules allow police to stop and search people or buildings without warrants, to seize evidence or impose curfews, and have been extended over a wider area of central Nuku’alofa. News reports indicate that the new commander of the Tonga Police Force—a New Zealand police officer—was consulted over these steps.

Leading up to his coronation in late July, the king announced that he would “voluntarily surrender his powers to meet the democratic aspirations of many of his people.” He promised to step back from his day-to-day role in government affairs, while retaining the right to appoint judges and king’s counsel, and to grant clemency and commute prison sentences.

No time frame was given by the king for these changes.

Tonga’s government is controlled by the monarchy. The king appoints 15 of the 33 members of parliament, the country’s nobility appoints nine, and nine are elected by popular vote.

’Akilisi Pohiva, a long-time leader of protests for democratic and political reforms, expressed disappointment at the new regulations, which people had expected to be lifted after the coronation. He welcomed moves by the king to reduce his powers as a step “towards the end of a long campaign for political reform in our country.”

Protests for democratic and political reforms have gained momentum in Tonga over the past three years, with large demonstrations against the government and monarchy. A successful six-week strike by government employees in 2005 culminated in a 10,000-strong march calling for democratic rights. Pohiva and four other members of parliament still face sedition charges arising from the 2006 rebellion. Trials continue for hundreds of others arrested, some of whom have received prison sentences of up to 11 years.  
 
 
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