After receiving the report of the National Committee for Political Reform (NCPR), also known as the Tu'ipelehake Committee, several political and democratic changes have been proposed by His Majesty's Cabinet to the Legislative Assembly. 

The proposals involve HM King Siaosi Tupou V voluntarily ceding authority invested in Him to enable democratic reforms.  The NCPR report favoured upholding the role of the Monarchy and Nobility.  However, a re-organisation of Government that increases democratic representation was recommended.  Three key changes are proposed: increasing the number of People's Representatives to 14; having the Prime Minister elected by the Legislative Assembly (after a general election) to then be appointed by HM the King; and a Cabinet nominated primarily by the Prime Minister, with the exception of the two Governors of Ha'apai and Vava'u, who will be selected by His Majesty the King.  The following article provides a summary of the key changes proposed in the Prime Minister's statement to the Legislative Assembly on the 19th of October. 

Increase in People's Representatives

It has been proposed that the number of people's elected representatives in Tongan Parliament increase to 14 from nine.  The nine noble representatives will remain but will not increase in number.  It is proposed that at least half of the peoples' representatives will be from Tongatapu, representing the 7 districts of Tongatapu, three from Vava'u, two from Ha'apai and one each from 'Eua and the Niuas.  Representatives from these districts must live in these areas.  There will be no less than 23 Members of the Legislative Assembly and no more than 27/28.  (Note:The planned November population census will assist with improving demographic information and deciding on electorate regions and final numbers.)

Prime Minister elected by Legislative Assembly

After a general election, the Legislative Assembly shall nominate a Prime Minister, recognising that it is critical that the Legislative Assembly must have confidence in the Prime Minister.  His Majesty King Siaosi Tupou V, in the exercise of Royal Prerogative, shall accept the Prime Minister who has achieved majority support from the Legislative Assembly.  This essentially gives the elected representatives the authority to appoint the Prime Minister.  

Cabinet primarily appointed by Prime Minister

His Majesty King Siaosi Tupou V has also agreed to appoint His Ministers on the advice of the appointed Prime Minister.  The Prime Minister will have the sole discretion to allocate portfoilios.  At least two-thirds of Cabinet shall be from the Elected Members of the Legislative Assembly.  His Majesty will retain some direct influence and involvement in the appointment of some Cabinet members, as He will have the power to appoint the two Governors (of Ha'apai and Vava'u) from within, or outside, the Legislative Assembly to Cabinet.   It has been agreed that Cabinet should not have a majority in the Legislative Assembly and nor should the Nobles' or Peoples' Representatives have a majority without some support from the other.  Cabinet will be consist of 12-14 members (including the two Governors).

Tonga Takes Steps Towards Democracy 

It is recognised that there is a considerable amount of operational detail to be decided upon, however, the above amendments take into consideration the varying and diverse views captured in the NCPR Report.  Tonga takes another step in its political journey.  It builds on and extends the principles of the Constitution, which has provided a political framework for Tonga for the past 131 years, respecting the three pillars of Tongan society that are unique and fundamental to Tongan social order.  The changes supported by HM King Siaosi Tupou V increases the 'power of the people', while at the same time, upholding that which has defined Tonga for centuries.  His Majesty fully supports the proposed reforms and wishes to see these precedents formally recorded and gazetted so as to be binding on future Monarchs of Tonga.