Labour congratulates Tonga on democratic elections

The Labour Party congratulates Tonga on its elections and pays tribute to all parties, including the King, for their efforts at moving their constitutional processes towards a truly representative democratic structure, says Labour’s Foreign Affairs spokesperson Maryan Street.

“The 90 percent turnout shows how vitally interested Tongan people are in democratic reform in their country,” she said.

“People were hungry for reform and the King was wise enough to continue the reforming work of his father and promote even further-reaching changes which the people have welcomed.

“Our observers say the elections were well run. Seventeen of the 26 Members of Parliament were elected by the people, with the remaining 9 elected from the nobles by a separate process.

“This is a first for the people of Tonga. I had the privilege of participating in a multi-party preparatory election seminar in Tonga a few months ago and even then interest in processes, structures and campaign rules was very high,” Maryan Street said.

“Akilisi Pohiva’s group has won a clear mandate in this historic election. The New Zealand Labour Party wishes all new MPs every success as they move to select their Prime Minister and take the country forward under this new democratic system,” she said.

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