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Across
Pacific Magazine | Humour |
God at
Work |
From monarchy to
democracy
The
festivities and fireworks for Tonga's King George Tupou V last week
marked the
celebration of a new coronation, but also signalled a change for the
constitutional rule of this Pacific nation. Upon taking the throne, the
new
King announced his intention to slowly relinquish his power, moving
Tonga
towards a system of democracy. The joyous occasion stands in stark
contrast to
the riots and violence of November 2006—riots that were the result of
political
unrest seeking a change in the rule of Tonga. How is it then that two
very
different events look towards such similar outcomes?
The ability to separate each event comes with the distinction between
power
given and power taken. The Tongan constitution was first enacted in
1876, and
in doing so gave the monarchy a great deal of hands-on power. In 2006
the
Tongan people demanded that a larger measure of power be given back to
them, in
the form of democratic rule. In 2008 the new King has chosen to divest
a
significant portion of his power back to the people. It is likely that
his
choice will play an important role in how smoothly the change from
absolute
monarchy to a more democratic rule will proceed.
Tonga's 2010 elections will see the next step in this constitutional
progression. Following this election there will be an increased number
of
publicly elected politicians, a Prime Minister chosen by the Parliament
rather
than the Monarch, and a Cabinet chosen almost entirely by the Prime
Minister.
From this time onward the future of Tonga will rest with the Tongan
people.
The King of Tonga has paused to consider his role in the history of his
nation.
He has been able to look back upon the rich tradition of his people and
seen
from where he has come; but he has also recognised the desire of his
people to
have greater power over the governing of their country. He has looked
forward
to the possibilities that this could lead to, and chosen to peacefully
pass the
power he holds on to his people—a choice that will hopefully lead to
better
outcomes for the Tongan people.
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