15 Jan 2015

Tonga's Parliament holds opening ceremony

6:01 am on 15 January 2015

The Legislative Assembly in Tonga will have a ceremonial opening this morning.

An opening address from the King will be presented by Crown Prince Tupouto'a 'Ulukalala and nobles Lord Vaha'i and Lord Fakafanua.

After the ceremony the first sitting of the House since last November's elections will be on Monday morning.

In the first meeting the Prime Minister and all other members of the Legislative Assembly will take their oath.

They will then proceed to the first item of the agenda which is to consider a reply to the address from the King.

The Assembly will then continue to other matters such as the appointment of the Chairman of the Whole House Committee and appointment of members and chairs of parliamentary standing Committees.

The National Shield of Tonga

The National Shield of Tonga Photo: RNZI