no confidence motion

Debate underway on Solomons no-confidence motion

The motion was triggered by a series of defections from Mr Sogavare's coalition government late last month.

Beginning the debate, opposition MP Derek Sikua outlined to parliament his reasons for tabling the motion.

Dr Sikua said MPs had lost confidence in the prime minister because he wasn't listening to them any more.

He said Mr Sogavare has become suspicious of anyone who differs from his point of view.

Solomons government to face no-confidence motion

The vote was triggered after a series of defections from Mr Sogavare's coalition, which has been in power since 2014.

It is not clear what has caused the defections, but some government supporters suggest it's in response to a proposed anti-corruption bill.

The opposition leader, Derek Sikua, is expected to spell out his reasons for the motion in parliament today.

The government and opposition have spent the past week battling to consolidate their numbers ahead of today's vote.

Solomon PM to face no confidence vote Monday

The broadcaster SIBC reports the Speaker of Parliament Ajilon Jasper Nasiu has received the motion from the Leader of the Parliamentary Independent Group Dr Derek Sikua.

No explanation has been given for the motion of no confidence, but Dr Sikua is expected to state his reasons for not having confidence in the Prime Minister when he moves the motion.

     

Tonga academic praises MPs for way vote was handled

The vote against Prime Minister 'Akilisi Pohiva was unsuccessful, with the Government holding on to power with a vote of 14 to 10.

RNZ reports the nobles had made a series of accusations about the way Mr Pohiva ran his administration in what was just the second ever vote of no confidence to be staged in Tonga.

The first, more than four years ago, brought the country to a near standstill for weeks, but the Royal Oceania Institute's director of research, Tevita Motulalo, said this time around the process was far less disruptive.

Tonga no confidence vote to be held next week

The Legislative Assembly concluded after 'Akilisi Pohiva's response to the motion was read today.

RNZ reports Parliament will reconvene on Monday morning to deliberate on the motion and reply before votes are cast.

Standing orders state the vote must take place within five working days after the day the motion was tabled in the House.

The motion was tabled on February 20.

Some MPs were concerned the motion would lapse today but the Speaker has confirmed the end of business Monday is the deadline for a vote.

Tonga's no-confidence motion smooth - researcher

This week, for only the second time in history, such a motion was tabled in parliament claiming that 'Akilisi Pohiva was unfit to be Prime Minister.

Royal Oceania Institute Director of Research, Tevita Motulalo, said the first motion was tabled in June 2012 but dragged on until October, almost crippling the government through the level of uncertainty it brought.

However, Mr Motulalo said the mechanism had been streamlined and parliamentarians have adapted to the process better so these proceedings could take less than a week.

He said the public was also adapting.

Tongan PM says no confidence accusations are old

Akilisi Pohiva is accused of nepotism for hiring his son as his assistant and of putting people into high ranking government positions without due process.

RNZ reports Mr Pohiva is also under fire for trying to remove the Attorney General and the CEO of the Pacific Games Organising Committee.

And he is criticised for wasting money, defending a former Cabinet Minister who was found guilty of bribery charges and for damaging relations between Tonga and Indonesia with comments supporting West Papuan independence.

Tonga PM no confidence motion tabled in parliament

The motion was tabled in parliament on Monday by Lord Tu'iha'angana, one of seven Nobles' Representatives who signed it.

Three People's Representatives also put their name to the motion, former Deputy Prime Minister Samiu Vaipulu, Vili Hingano and Fe'ao Vakata who Mr Pohiva sacked for misconduct last year.

Tonga PM's troubles may save him - academic

'Akilisi Pohiva's government will face a motion in parliament next week.

His two years in office have been fraught with accusations of inaction, opposition to changes in the education sector and the proposed signing of a women's rights convention, and the loss of two cabinet ministers to bribery charges and misconduct.

However Massey University's Malakai Koloamatangi said it looked like government MPs would have to cross the floor for the vote to be successful.

RNZ reports Dr Koloamatangi said the criticism that Mr Pohiva has come under may actually help him.

No confidence vote to be tabled in Tonga

RNZ reports a notice of the motion was distributed by Speaker Lord Tu'ivakano in Parliament just before the house closed yesterday.

The Prime Minister 'Akilisi Pohiva was not in Parliament, but Lord Tu'ivakano said he may respond to the vote of no confidence between now and next Monday when the vote will be dealt with.

Earlier Mr Pohiva said he had the numbers to defeat the vote.

Lord Tu'ivakano said the actual vote of no confidence will have to take place by the end of Monday February 27.