15 Jan 2018

Tonga's parliament to sit this week

3:11 pm on 15 January 2018

Tonga's parliament will sit on Thursday, with MPs finally expected to take their oath of office.

The Tongan parliament buildings

The Tongan parliament buildings Photo: Tonga Parliament

It will be the first time parliament sits since the November snap election, triggered by King Tupou VI's dissolution of parliament.

Last week parliament opened with a message relayed from the King, calling for a closer relationship between the House and His Majesty, according to the law and Constitution.

The message from the Throne also highlighted upcoming development projects like the new domestic wharf which is to be opened soon for which the King thanked foreign partners for their assistance.

The Prime Minister, 'Akilisi Pohiva, missed the brief ceremonial opening as he was in the local intensive care unit after reportedly suffering from an infection, but there are hopes he will make to the first sitting on Thursday.

A six MP committee is drafting a House response to the Message from the Throne, which will be also be presented.

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