In 1992, the Convention for Democracy in Tonga highlighted the need for democratic reform but did not suggest adopting a British-type monarchy. The speakers called for greater accountability, and transparency rather than the complete removal of the monarchy’s executive powers.
However, the push to strip the monarchy of all executive power was primarily the personal suggestion of Akilisi Pohiva, a position now carried forward by his daughter, Teisa Pohiva Cokanasiga.
Recently, a group of pro-democracy proponents living overseas have pushed for Tonga to remove all the executive power of the monarchy in favor of a full democracy. They paint Western democracy as the ideal system while conveniently ignoring the rampant corruption, manipulation, and instability that plague democratic nations, particularly the United States.
At the same time, the West continues its radical sexualization of society, where the LGBTQ movement has divided America and the West into halves, with policies and cultural shifts that undermine traditional moral values.
Before we idolize Western democracy as the solution for Tonga’s governance, we must critically examine its shortcomings—especially the corruption, manipulation, and failures that have been increasingly exposed within the United States government.
Two figures have played pivotal roles in revealing these systemic issues: Elon Musk and Donald Trump’s administration. Their disclosures, whether intentional or incidental, have shattered the illusion of Western democracy as the only system suitable for every nation.
DEMOCRACY AS A DEPENDENT VARIABLE
The founding fathers of the United States understood that democracy is not a self-sustaining system. John Adams warned, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”
Similarly, George Washington, in his farewell address, emphasized that “religion and morality are indispensable supports” of a stable democracy.
Without these guiding principles, democracy becomes vulnerable to corruption, manipulation, and moral decay.
The modern failures of democratic nations, particularly the United States, confirm this truth— when morality declines, democracy falls into dysfunction. This reality should caution Tonga against blindly pursuing a Western-style democracy without considering the foundational principles that sustain good governance.
EXPOSING THE ROT WITHIN
Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter (now X) revealed collusion between government agencies and Big Tech to control narratives and censor dissenting voices. The so-called “Twitter Files” exposed how the U.S. government influenced social media platforms to suppress information unfavorable to the establishment, particularly regarding elections and public health policies.
If democracy means a system where free speech is systematically stifled to protect the ruling elite, is that truly the model we want for Tonga?
Likewise, under Donald Trump’s administration, deep state corruption and abuses of power were exposed at unprecedented levels. The FBI’s politically motivated investigations, the widespread leaks and fabrications within intelligence agencies, and the use of government resources to silence opposition painted a picture of a democracy that operates not by the will of the people, but by the interests of a powerful few.
If a Western-style democracy cannot even uphold its own principles of fairness, transparency, and justice, how can we expect it to serve as a model for Tonga?
DEMOCRACY’S BROKEN PROMISES
The United States, often seen as the standard-bearer of democracy, is riddled with corruption, political instability, and a deeply divided populace. Elections are plagued by accusations of fraud, special interests dictate policies, and leaders are often more accountable to corporations than to their own citizens. Economic disparity continues to widen, and the supposed “rule of the people” is often nothing more than an illusion.
If this is the system we are being told to adopt, we must ask: What benefits does it truly offer that our monarchy does not? Tonga’s monarchy, while not perfect, provides continuity, stability, and cultural identity—elements that Western democracies have largely abandoned in their pursuit of political expediency.
THE DANGERS OF BLINDLY MIMICKING THE WEST
Proponents of democracy in Tonga argue that it will bring prosperity, fairness, and progress. Yet, the Western model they admire is increasingly failing even in its own lands. Why should we sacrifice our unique governance system for a model that has demonstrated widespread corruption and inefficiency?
Rather than blindly adopting Western democracy, we must focus on improving our existing system—strengthening institutions, increasing transparency, and ensuring accountability within our monarchy. Governance should evolve in a way that aligns with our culture and values, not simply mimic foreign ideals that have proven to be flawed.
A CAUTIONARY TALE
The fall of democracy is not an abstract concept; it is happening in real-time in the very nations that claim to champion it. The exposure of corruption at the highest levels of the U.S. government by Elon Musk and during Trump’s presidency should serve as a warning, not an invitation, for Tonga.
We must learn from the failures of Western governance rather than replicate them. If Tonga is to chart a path forward, it should do so on its own terms, strengthening its monarchy while embracing reforms that serve its people—not bowing to a system that is crumbling under its own contradictions.
Pushing to abandon our monarchy’s political involvement is a sign of Pacific Islanders’ lack of freedom from the West’s intellectual colonization and lack of freedom of thinking and rigorous intellectual engagement.
Reform the System, Transform the Hearts.
Mr. Senituli Penitani is a John Maxwell leadership trainer and coach living in Utah. The views expressed in this article are his and do not necessarily reflect the views of Talanoa ‘o Tonga.
