1 Jun 2009

Tonga reform commission about to make first report back to leaders

3:31 pm on 1 June 2009

Tonga's Constitutional and Electoral Commission is to make public its interim report on political reform later this week.

The Commission has said the interim report will not contain any recommendations but it will be seeking written submissions from the public on its contents.

The Constitutional and Electoral Commission Act 2008 requires the Commission to submit its Interim Report and any recommendations within five months of appointment.

It is expected that recommended reforms will be debated by Parliament later this year ahead of a planned early election under a new, more democratic system next year.

The interim report will be submitted to King George Tupou the 5th and the Speaker this Friday and will be made public on Saturday.