Tongan King urged to let Govt rule

King Siaosi Tupou V of Tonga would give up most of his power to an elected government under reforms proposed in a report by a reform commission.

The present semi-feudal system under which the King and nobles control the Parliament would be replaced by a system in which the Cabinet and Parliament would hold executive power.

The Constitutional and Electoral Commission released its final report yesterday, recommending that the King, who has expressed his support for democratic reform, give up wide-ranging powers, including appointing the Prime Minister.

It also recommended that there should be elections for 17 popularly elected representatives and nine nobles' representatives. The reforms are scheduled to be introduced in time for elections next year.