Tonga’s Parliament has voted against moves to bring back the hosting of the 2019 Pacific Games to the kingdom.
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.
Fiji has said it will not host the 2019 Games. However, it is looking at hosting the 2027 Pacific Games.
Samoa has expressed interest in hosting the 2019 Pacific Games.
Photo file: Tonga Parliament