2 Apr 2013

Tonga MP says accountability depends on politicians laying policy platforms

2:53 pm on 2 April 2013

An Opposition MP in Tonga says a lack of accountability and transparency remain critical issues of the country.

Dr Sitiveni Halapua says to achieve accountability the country needs politicians and parties to put forward clear policy platforms and lay out their direction for the country.

He says this has not yet happened, despite the democracy reforms.

Dr Halapua wants to see more education on democracy issues and he hopes the people will demand more information from candidates in the next election, due late next year.

"I think the people will expect candidates and particularly those who want to form the government to come out clearly about what policies they want to put in place for the country, in order to move forward. We need a clear reform in that area."