Editorial: Democracy long overdue for Tonga

Almost 20 years ago, the democratic urge first stirred in Tonga. Deep-seated affection for the king, Taufa'ahau Tupou IV, was not enough to dissuade the organisers of a first convention on democracy.

The occasion struck a popular chord in the semi-feudal nation, but power, prestige and position are rarely surrendered easily. Predictably, frustrations boiled over.

Violence sparked by a pro-democracy rally led to the destruction of much of downtown Nuku'alofa. Now, three years later, it appears Tonga is finally about to achieve democracy.

The country's Constitutional and Electoral Commission has recommended stripping King George Tupou V of many of his powers, including the automatic right to appoint the prime minister and ministers. Executive power would be held by the Cabinet and Parliament. The Tongan people would elect 17 parliamentary representatives, who would sit alongside nine nobles' representatives.

At present, just nine of the seats in the 33-seat Parliament are selected by popular vote. The institution is stacked with nobles and other supporters of the monarchy.

The King has, in effect, already given his blessing for this development. At the time of his coronation, and in the wake of the Nuku'alofa riots, he volunteered to surrender his powers.

His one caveat at that time was a wish to retain the monarch's judicial powers, including the right to appoint judges and king's counsel and to grant clemency or commute sentences. The King says such matters should never be subject to political considerations. It is a position that does not withstand scrutiny, given in the case of New Zealand, for example, there is a clear convention that the Attorney-General makes judicial appointment independent of party political considerations.

Thus, even if the King is allowed to retain this authority, he should not count on retaining it for any length of time. Any misstep would be a signal for that power to also be taken from his hands.

But this aside, the King's response represents an astute, if overdue, recognition that he must adopt a far more limited and largely consultative role if the monarchy is not to lose all its prestige and position.

This heeding of the popular call for democracy was first, albeit hesitatingly, acknowledged by King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV late in his long reign. He proclaimed that Tonga was ready for change.

Happily, his son, who is far less revered, has also seen the writing on the wall. In his case, this attitude may have been hastened by a readiness to step back from the limelight and indulge a lavish and somewhat eccentric lifestyle.

The adoption of the Constitutional and Electoral Commission's recommendations would be the signal for considerable activity. There are few political parties in Tonga.

Several could be expected to spring up in time for next year's election or soon thereafter as part of an evolving process. Just as significantly for ordinary Tongans, healthy democracy is normally a catalyst for economic growth. The once-prosperous country has fared poorly in recent times, and living standards are declining.

Turning this around will be helped by the King's decision to relinquish control of various state enterprises, including telecommunications and electricity providers. His stewardship of these has been, at best, questionable.

Tonga has been held back for too long. A monocle-wearing monarch has done nothing to contradict the notion of a nation possessing much in common with a banana republic. Now, it has the chance to claim the benefits enjoyed by other Pacific nations that have embraced democracy and an open economy. It must seize it.