The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) has announced that Tonga’s Legislative Assembly has successfully met key benchmarks for democratic governance, marking significant progress in parliamentary reform. The CPA’s Benchmarks for Democratic Legislatures Final Report for Tonga, a 29-page document tabled in Parliament, highlighted areas where the Assembly has shown resilience and inclusivity.
Aspiring to be “fit for purpose, resilient, and inclusive for all,” Tonga’s Legislative Assembly has demonstrated effective leadership and adherence to its Rules of Procedure, as noted in the report. The Assembly is recognized for its efforts following the 2010 constitutional reforms and its recovery from Cyclone Gita’s damage in 2018.
Lord Speaker Hon. Lord Fakafanua and Clerk Gloria Pole’o led the self-assessment in November 2023, with CPA representatives Fraser McIntosh and Tom Duncan facilitating the process. They engaged with Members of Parliament, senior staff, and stakeholders like the Attorney General and civil society representatives.
The report also identified areas for further improvement, offering 19 recommendations, including enhancing parliamentary infrastructure, expanding professional development, and increasing female representation in leadership roles.
The CPA commended Tonga for its proactive commitment to improving its parliamentary institutions, underscoring the importance of continuous reform for good governance.
Source: Tonga Parliament