24 Feb 2017

Tonga no confidence vote to be held next week

3:25 pm on 24 February 2017

Tonga's Parliament has adjourned and will hold a vote of no confidence in the Prime Minister on Monday.

Tongan Prime Minister 'Akilisi Pohiva.

Tongan Prime Minister 'Akilisi Pohiva. Photo: RNZI/Alex Perrottet

The Legislative Assembly concluded after 'Akilisi Pohiva's response to the motion was read today.

Parliament will reconvene on Monday morning to deliberate on the motion and reply before votes are cast.

Standing orders state the vote must take place within five working days after the day the motion was tabled in the House.

The motion was tabled on February 20.

Some MPs were concerned the motion would lapse today but the Speaker has confirmed the end of business Monday is the deadline for a vote.

The motion accused Mr Pohiva of nepotism, not following due process, abusing his authority and damaging the country's foreign relations.

Mr Pohiva's response to the claims had to be vetted by the Privileges Committee.

Some of the response was ruled in breach of provisions and had to be omitted before finally being tabled in Parliament.

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