FIDP calls for consensus cabinet

© Tevita Motulalo

THE Friendly Islands Democratic Party (FIDP) has called for a consensus type of Parliament in the Kingdom of Tonga, as parliament members prepare to vote for a Prime Minister.

Members are lobbying for proposals for a Prime Minister, after the country's historic election last month which saw FIDP rack up to 12 of the 17 popular elected seats in Parliament, with only 31% of the votes. One FIDP MP has broken off from the party, bringing down their seats to eleven, while the major titled traditional families or the Hou'eiki" hold another nine seats, bringing the total seats in parliament to 26.

Proposals for Prime Minister are being submitted to the Interim Speaker of Parliament, Lord Tupou. The vote will be held next Monday.

Cabinet is another check that mustn’t always agree: Vaipulu

© Tevita Motulalo

VAVA ‘U popular elected MP Samiu Vaipulu reminded members of the House of the Kingdom of Tongthat Cabinet should not always agree with Parliament and with each other, as a checking mechanism defending the Constitution.

“If the Parliament pass a Constitution amendment three times, Cabinet should be unanimous in voting on it. But if there is a single vote of dissention, then it is enough to stop that amendment,” said Samiu.