Tonga Legislative Assembly

Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni Hu’akavameiliku informed the House of Dr. Halapua’s passing.

A statement from Parliament said the prominent Tongan academic was a former Member of Parliament for Tongatapu 3 constituency, who was elected to Parliament in the 2010 general election.

The late Dr. Sitiveni Halapua holds a PhD in economics from the University of Kent in England.

Lord Vaea, 64,  started his career in politics following his election as Tongatapu No. 1 Noble Representatives in Parliament in the 2010 general election.

He was appointed Minister of Agriculture under the former government administration of Lord Tu’ivakano.

In 2012, he was also given the Minister of Training, Employment, Youth and Sports portfolio.

He was re-elected into Parliament in 2014 and served as an MP until the House was dissolved in 2017.

He has returned to Parliament in the 2021 general election.

Clerk of Tonga's Parliament Gloria Pole'o said the King's address will be delivered through a livestream feed from his residence on the island of 'Eua to the parliamentary chambers in Tongatapu where Members of Parliament and invited guests will gather to receive the opening address.

Ms Pole'o said the first parliamentary session will be the following day on Thursday.

The session will be opened with the commissioning of three Nobles comprising of HSH Prince Tu’ipelehake, Lord Fakatulolo and Lord Luani.

The new Members of Parliament will take their oath of office on the first sitting of Parliament on a date yet to be announced.

One of the commission will speak on behalf of King Tupou VI and then the Speaker will nominate two MPs to submit the House's reply.

Parliament's first sitting day will be confirmed once the King can attend.