On November 25, the majority of Tonga’s MPs will be elected by ordinary Tongans. History will be made as this is the first time MP’s will be elected in this way.
Things happen slowly in Tonga.
Widespread consultation with Tongans resulted in a parliamentary and election report resulting in the 12 month adjournment of Parliament.
A record number of prospective candidates have indicated their intention to stand in 17 constituencies and more than 40,000 people have registered to vote in a country of approximately 100,000.
Post-election, potentially one of the biggest challenges facing Tonga is that having the numbers and the sway on voting day does not necessarily equal the mana and mandate to lead the country. The arithmetic of popularity does not automatically add up to authority.
What lies ahead is the unknown sum of many complicated parts. For a long time, Tonga’s stability rested on the power of one. King George V’s voluntary steps towards democracy represent a giant leap for Tongan society. The gulf, however, is wide. Like many others, I will be praying that Tonga lands on its feet.