parliament

He said people understood what he was talking about and that was why they returned him and the Democrats to Parliament with an increased majority to Parliament in the snap election.

The elections were called a year earlier than scheduled after the King dissolved Parliament in August, due to concerns about the conduct of the government.

Lord Vaea hopes to be re-elected into one of the nine seats set aside and voted for by the 33 hereditary nobles and five life peers.

RNZI reports the remaining 17 seats are popularly elected.

Vaea, who Prime Minister 'Akilisi Pohiva once referred to as the unofficial 'Leader of the Opposition', said whoever made it into the house needs to make sure legislative action occurs rather than just talk.

Kaniva News reports the parliamentarians voted 12-9 yesterday against the motion that was submitted by the nobles and some independent MPs.

Two petitions calling for Tonga to reconsider hosting the Games were also rejected by the parliamentarians.

Tonga’s Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva earlier announced that Tonga was withdrawing as host of the 2019 Pacific Games because it would not be viable for the economy.

The Pacific Games Council gave the government until June 30 to reconsider its decision.

In his recent visit to New Zealand, the prime minister 'Akilisi Pohiva was asked to ensure that all falsely-issued diplomatic passports were cancelled, so to avoid international breaches of security.

The PM admitted there was a problem, but told parliament he didn't know what to do about it.

He also said the passport holders may have trafficked millions of dollars worth of drugs into New Zealand.

Matangi Tonga reports that he was taken to task by Lord Tu'ilakepa, who told the PM he was also foreign minister and in charge of that portfolio.

The Prime Minister told the House that he has presented three official queries on this matter but no reply has been made. The second letter he said, referred to a Chinese national whose diplomatic passport has been renewed several times and no reply has been made yet.

The 15 August challenge comes from the nine Noble MPs in the 26 seat parliament, citing a series of policy mistakes that have taken place recently.               

Noble MP Lord Vaea told Radio Australia several independents will support the vote, and he is even expecting some defections from the government.

“We believe that over the last 18 months the government has not performed as we anticipated. The way the PM has been performing we feel he hasn't come up to the standard expected of him.

In his message, His Majesty hoped that it will help with positive outcomes and development of the country.

His Majesty also highlighted the job well done by the House in the process to help the people of Vava‘u and Ha‘aapai after the devastation left behind by Tropical Cyclone Winston.

He urged everyone to continue such assistance in future during cyclones and disasters.

His Majesty extended his best regards and wishes to all members of Parliament with the upcoming official opening of the House and tasks of 2016 in May.

This is the first time in its history that a sitting in the morning was cancelled.

Members of Parliament did not proceed with the agenda.

This was raised by the representative of Vava‘u Constituency 15 and former Deputy Prime Minister Mr Samiu Vaipulu moved that they cancel their session for the day.

The Legislative Assembly therefore adjourned until two in the afternoon in expectation of the weather to clear up.

Schools also closed early today as heavy rain pounded the capital, Nuku’alofa.

FBC News said the suspension was for 30 days with immediate effect.

The NFP provided its 2013-2014 Annual Audited Accounts to the Registrar, which was published in the Fiji Sun on November 13th.

FBC News said the accounts were not audited by an accountant certified by the Fiji Institute of Accountants.

Reconvening after adjourning for more than three-months, parliament’s tentative agenda includes not only Government Bills but Regulations and various Reports of Parliament Standing Committees.

The last sitting was in October last year