Younger MPs present new challenges for Tonga parliament - Deputy Clerk

The Deputy Clerk of Tonga's Legislative Assembly, Dr Sione Vikilani, has underscored the importance of regional collaboration in legislative development during the Tahuna a Tara: Pacific Speakers, Presiding Officers and Clerks Conference held in Wellington last week.

He said the meeting provided an opportunity for the Tongan parliamentary deputy-clerk to learn from the practices of other jurisdictions.

Dr Vikilani highlighted the significant role of technology, particularly noting the advanced technological integration in certain Pacific parliaments, such as those in French Polynesia and New Caledonia.

“Technology is the thing that I noticed in this conference, especially in French Polynesia and New Caledonia, how they use technology within the Parliament. I get only envy,” he said.

Having served as Deputy Clerk since 2010, Dr Vikilani said there were significant challenges facing Tonga’s Legislative Assembly..

They included the rising influence of younger, more assertive MPs.

In contrast to the past, where MPs tended to be older and more experienced, younger representatives often challenged procedural decisions.

For example, earlier this year, an MP initiated a judicial review against one of parliament’s decisions, despite ultimately losing the case.

Dr Vikilani and conference attendees. Photo/NZ Parliament Facebook

“For example, in the beginning of the year, one of the MPs took out a judicial review against one of the decisions that was done in Parliament, even though he lost.

“But those are the kinds of challenges that I'm talking about, having those young MPs who are very active. I'm not saying it's a bad thing.

“It's their constitutional right to challenge things that they see that don't fit their way of thinking or how they perceive things.”

Votes of no confidence, a result of Tonga’s political reforms post-2010, have also become a common aspect of parliamentary proceedings.

Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni is facing a second vote of no confidence on Tuesday.

This vote was initiated by MP Dr ‘Aisake Eke, who had proposed a similar motion last year, which Hu’akavameiliku easily defeated.

Vikilani noted that this parliamentary term is unique in that it has witnessed two such motions.

He shared his thoughts on whether procedural changes are necessary.

“Our role in Parliament is to support and serve Members of Parliament. We don't decide whether it's good or bad or decide to support or not. Our role is to serve both government and non-government members.”

With elections set for November 2025, Dr Vikilani’s work remains crucial.

He hinted at future bills that will play an important role in shaping Tonga’s political landscape.

Speaker of Tonga's Legislative Assembly, Lord Fakafanua (second from left) with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. Photo/Ala Vailala

“Well, that depends on the Government or the Members of Parliament because they are the ones who submit the bills.

“Currently, there are bills from the Government with regard to the election.

“There will be some of the important legislation that we have to pass before the election, but at the moment, they’re still in the committee stages.”