The Legislation Standing Committee is conducting a week-long series of public consultations in Vava’u and Ha’apai on seven Public Bills referred to it from the Legislative Assembly.

The team held four public forums in Vava’u. Residents of Ha’alaufuli, Leimātu’a, and surrounding villages had the opportunity on Monday to discuss seven proposed Bills from the Government related to the Electoral Act and the Constitution. Three public meetings were at Leimātu’a, Longomapu and Neiafu last night.

Day	Consituency	Town	Time	Venue
Monday 02/09/24	Vavaʻu 16	Ha’alaufuli, Vavaʻu	7pm	‘Alu he Lotu
Tuesday  03/09/24	Vavaʻu 16	Leimatu’a, Vavaʻu	6pm	Kalapu Silakivai  Hall
Tuesday 03/09/24	Vavaʻu 14	Longomapu, Vavaʻu	7pm	Mana’ia ko Saione  Hall
Tuesday  03/09/24	Vavaʻu 15	Neiafu, Vavaʻu	7pm	Fakamelino  Hall
Thursday 05/09/24	Haʻapai 12	Pangai, Haʻapai	7pm	Siasi Tokaikolo  Hall
Thursday 05/09/24	Haʻapai 13	Lotofoa, Haʻapai	7pm	SUTT  Hall
Friday 06/09/24	Haʻapai 13	Nomuka	10am	ʻAmanakilelei  Hall
Friday  06/09/24	Haʻapai 13	Haʻafeva	2pm	Siasi Tonga Tau’ataina Hall
Friday  06/09/24	Haʻapai 12	ʻUiha	5pm	SUTT Hall
Friday  06/09/24	Haʻapai 13	Ha’ano, Haʻapai	10am	Tapumana’ia, Ha’ano Hall
Friday  06/09/24	Haʻapai 13	F,akakai, Haʻapai	2pm	SUTT  Hall
Friday  06/09/24	Haʻapai 13	Faleloa, Haʻapai	7pm	SUTT  Hall

Similar consultations are scheduled for Ha’apai later this week, including sessions in Pangai and Lotofoa on Thursday and additional forums on Friday, September 6, before the Committee returns to Tongatapu.

These public consultations are an opportunity to discuss with the public, seven proposed Public Bills referred to the Legislation Standing Committee from the Legislative
Assembly.  The proposed amendments are as follows:

1. Electoral Amendment (No. 2) Bill 2023 is a proposed amendment to section 9 of the Electoral Act. That is to reduce the number of proposers that a parliamentary candidate requires from 50 to 10. The Electoral Commission considers that the current number is not in line with the current electoral best practice.

2. Electoral Amendment (No. 3) Bill 2023 is an amendment to fix the date for the ordinary general election of the People’s and Nobles’ Representatives to Parliament and the date for issuing of writs of elections.

3. Electoral Amendment (No. 4) Bill 2023. The main purpose of the amendment is to repeal all sections referring to electoral offences. This is to reflect the introduction of a new Electoral Bill 2023 which reflects all sections referring to electoral offences.

4. Electoral Amendment (No 5.) Bill 2023 - the main purpose of the amendment is to provide a more efficient process for maintaining of the Electoral Roll and making it available for inspection and rectification of any errors.

5. Electoral Offences Bill 2023 is a newly introduced Bill which makes provisions for Electoral offences in national, district town officers and town officers’ elections in Tonga. The rationale for this new Bill is to ensure that no person can be convicted of an electoral criminal offence unless the evidence of guilt is clear beyond all reasonable doubt. In addition, in a case involving electoral offences.

• “no party is prosecuted unless the Crown is satisfied that this is required under their Prosecutions Guidelines;” and
• provides that the Attorney General must give his consent to prosecution in writing.

These are important safeguards consistent with the Rule of Law.

6. Electoral (Amendment) (No.1) Bill 2024 is to amend section 9 (Candidates) and the Schedule (Form 4) of the Electoral Act [Cap 2.03] to reflect the amendments to Clause 65 of the Constitution of Tonga [Cap 1.01] by the Constitution of Tonga (Amendment) (No.1) Bill 2024.

7. Constitution of Tonga Amendment (No. 1) Bill 2023 – is a proposed change to the clause 23 of the Constitution (disabilities of convict). At present, a convicted felon can have his disability to vote and stand for election terminated if his Majesty issues him with a pardon and also frees him from his electoral disabilities. This is to ensure when a felon has served his sentence his democratic rights to vote and stand for election must be restored by the King.  There are also amendments to Clauses 63 and 65 to ensure that the requirements for candidacy to become a Member of Parliament for both nobles and people’s representatives are the same. 

The public is encouraged to attend these meetings to provide feedback and opinions on the proposed amendments.

Previously, 17 public meetings were held in Tongatapu and four in ‘Eua last month, complemented by radio talkbacks to inform the public about these proposed amendments. 

These consultations offer a vital platform for the community to express their views on the proposed amendments.

Further information on the bills can be accessed on FAKAAFE KI HE KAKAI ʻO E FONUÁ KI HA NGAAHI FOKOTUʻU TOHI (WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS) FEKAUʻAKI MO E LAO FAKAANGAANGA FIKA 11A – 17A/2023 (parliament.gov.to).

Written submissions are open until Friday this week, September 6 at 4:30pm. Submissions can be made through the following means:

1. An online form accessed on https://form.jotform.com/242177459840060
2. Requesting a form via email (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
3. Ringing the Parliament’s Office at 24455 or 0800455 during business hours (8:30 am – 4:30 pm).

Public input is a crucial component of the legislative process, ensuring that decision-making reflects the views and needs of the people.

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