Tongans march to demand democracy

About 10,000 people marched in Tonga today to demand democratic reforms in the absolute monarchy.

Politicians, business people and workers marched through Nuku'olafa, reports from the capital said.

The massive protest went ahead as planned despite a six-week strike by public servants ending on the weekend with the government giving in to the workers' demands of 60-80 per cent pay rises.

The marchers' numbers today were swelled by visitors from Tonga's outlying islands.

They carried signs calling on the monarchy to relinquish power with such slogans as "Get out or we'll kick you out", Radio New Zealand reported.

A petition signed by 20,000 people -- about 20 per cent of the Tongan population -- was presented to a government representative.

The activists want an elected government in Tonga, where the administration and most of the parliament is appointed by the country's king, and its royals shifted into a ceremonial role.

- AAP