Tongan Parliamentarians to Undergo Induction Training

28 January 2011
[Nuku’alofa - January 28] What does the new constitutional system in Tonga mean for parliamentary governance? How can a member of parliament effectively perform his or her role as a law-maker and a representative of the country? How can the Parliament promote transparent and accountable government and more active public participation?

These are some of the questions that will be answered during a week-long induction programme that will be held in Nuku’alofa from Monday, January 31, for the newly elected Legislative Assembly.

The Parliamentary Awareness and Leadership workshop is organized by the Legislative Assembly of Tonga with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (Australia), New Zealand Parliament, Commonwealth Pacific Governance Facility and AusAID.

It will take place at the Fa’onelua Convention Centre and will cover a wide range of issues pertaining to the workings of the Parliament, the role of parliamentarians and the support available to them.

The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga Lord Lasike will deliver the keynote address.
The training will be facilitated by experts who will share local, regional and international expertise and knowledge with members of the Assembly.

Tonga had historic elections in November in which voters for the first time directly elected the majority of members of the Parliament. Eighteen members were elected by the public, and nine members were elected by Nobles. An additional two members were appointed by the King as Ministers.

ENDS

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