The election of Dr. Eke as Tonga’s new Prime Minister presents a pivotal moment for the nation’s governance. Over the past two decades, Tonga has experienced a paradox in its democratic development: while pro-democracy movements advocated for increased freedom and reduced monarchy’s control, successive administrations have expanded state authority. This trend contradicts the principles of limited government, which historically correlate with economic growth, political stability, and individual freedoms. By implementing institutional reforms and empowering local leaders, Tonga can embrace limited government principles to achieve sustainable economic development and governance.
The Paradox of Pro-Democracy Leadership
Tonga’s pro-democracy movement, which gained momentum in the late 1990s and early 2000s, aimed to shift power away from the monarchy and toward a more representative government. However, the administrations that followed, particularly under Akilisi Pohiva’s leadership, did not implement a limited government model. Instead, his tenure exhibited tendencies toward centralized authority and a lack of institutional checks and balances. Pohiva’s government maintained control over multiple ministries, leading to inefficiencies and concerns over accountability.
The trend of extensive government intervention persisted under Siaosi Sovaleni’s administration. Despite calls for reform, his government maintained direct control over multiple economic and administrative sectors. The persistence of overlapping power structures, such as the role of the Privy Council and the clash with the pro-democracy representatives, further complicated the transition to limited governance. This contributed to political instability, culminating in Sovaleni’s resignation before a no-confidence vote.

The Economic Case for Limited Government
Tonga’s economic challenges underscore the necessity of a limited government approach. The country relies heavily on remittances, which constitute approximately 30 percent of GDP, as well as foreign aid. However, excessive government intervention has stifled private sector growth, limiting economic diversification and self-sufficiency. Despite state involvement in key industries, economic vulnerabilities remain, including weak export demand and declining tourism revenues.
Research suggests that excessive government control can hinder economic performance by reducing incentives for entrepreneurship and innovation. By limiting government intervention, Tonga can create a more favorable business environment that encourages investment, job creation, and economic resilience. In particular, reducing regulatory burdens and streamlining bureaucratic processes can foster a more dynamic private sector.
Empowering Local Leaders for Economic Development
A crucial step toward implementing limited government in Tonga involves decentralizing economic decision-making and empowering regional constituencies and local leaders such as district and town officers. These local leaders, who have a deep understanding of their communities’ needs, can play a key role in fostering grassroots economic development. Rather than relying on centralized government control, local leaders should be equipped with the necessary resources, training, and autonomy to drive economic initiatives in their regions.

One effective approach is leveraging Tonga’s strong family networks and remittances from overseas communities. Many Tongans living abroad send financial support to their families, but these funds are often used for immediate consumption rather than long-term economic development. By creating local investment programs, local leaders, district, and town officers can channel remittances into community-driven projects such as small businesses, agricultural initiatives, and infrastructure improvements.
Additionally, the government and local leaders can facilitate skill-building workshops and entrepreneurship programs to help citizens and regional associations like churches and youth groups in the islands to develop work together, creating some sort of income creation projects within the communities. Governments should support these initiatives by offering small grants, easing regulatory barriers, and fostering public-private partnerships that encourage investment in rural areas.

A Blueprint for Limited Government
Dr. Eke’s administration has the opportunity to enact meaningful reforms that align with the principles of limited government. Key steps should include:
- Execution of Available Power: With the 2010 reform, the new government has enough authority to execute economic reform without wasting time trying to get more power or authority. Once the economy flourishes and the middle classes increase, it provides conditions for democracy to organically grow.
- Privatization of State-Owned Enterprises: Reducing government ownership in commercial sectors to encourage private sector development.
- Regulatory Reforms: Implementing transparent policies that support business growth while ensuring accountability and fairness.
- Empowering Local Leadership: Providing district and town officers and local leaders with decision-making authority, funding, and training to drive local economic growth.
- Leveraging Remittances for Development: Establishing financial programs that direct overseas remittances into community-led business and infrastructure projects.
By implementing these strategies, Tonga can create an environment conducive to investment, innovation, and sustainable development. Decentralizing governance and empowering local leaders can ensure that economic growth is more inclusive and responsive to community needs.
Conclusion
The failure of previous Tongan administrations to implement truly limited government principles, despite democratic reforms, underscores the need for a strategic reassessment of governance practices. Dr. Eke’s leadership represents an opportunity to shift from an interventionist model to one that fosters institutional integrity, economic freedom, and political stability.
To realize the full potential of Tonga’s democratic transition, it is crucial to balance cultural and monarchical traditions with modern governance principles. Reducing direct government intervention in the economy, strengthening property rights, and enhancing transparency will lay the foundation for a more prosperous and democratic future. Empowering district and town officers with the necessary skills, resources, and overseas support can further drive economic development at the grassroots level. By embracing limited government, Tonga can fulfill the promises of its democratic movement and secure lasting political and economic stability.
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.