Motion of Vote of No Confidence in the Prime Minister
Motion of Vote of No Confidence in the Prime Minister
Nuku’alofa, Tonga (10 December 2020) – Parliament held its last meeting for the year 2020 today. One Annual Report was passed and 7 Bills enacted into law by the House during today’s sitting, being Bills that were referred to the Standing Committees for vetting and scrutiny. The House is now adjourned to 12 January 2021.
Motion Number 2/2020: A Motion for Vote of No Confidence in the Prime Minister was distributed to Members of Parliament today. The Motion was submitted to the Office of the Lord Speaker, Lord Fakafanua, on Wednesday 9 December 2020 by Hon. Semisi Sika, People’s Representative for Tongatapu 2. A total of 10 Members of Parliament had signed the motion. Clause 50B(2) of the Constitution allows a Motion of Vote of No Confidence in the Prime Minister to be brought in the House, provided it is submitted after 18 months from the date of the general electi
Vuna Fa otusia
Photo: Kaniva Tonga / Kalino Lātū
The resignation adds to the pressure faced by Prime Minister Pohiva Tu i onetoa, who is likely to face a motion of no confidence when parliament next sits.
Fa otusia is one of 10 people who signed a letter calling for a motion against the prime minister.
That letter, tabled last week, outlines seven allegations against Tu i onetoa, mostly around government spending.
If a vote is held when the 26 seat parliament next sits on 12 January, supporters of the move may only need the support of 13 MPs with at least one representative overseas and unable to vote.
One of the nine Noble MPs in the House said last week s motion was historic and unique.