Margot Staunton, RNZ Pacific senior journalist
Tonga’s coalition government faces mounting pressure after a third cabinet minister was convicted of electoral bribery during last year’s general election.
The latest development follows a series of court rulings that could trigger by-elections and potentially reshape the country’s leadership.
Tonga’s parliament is made up of 17 people’s representative seats and nine noble seats.
Lord Fakafanua, a nephew of the King of Tonga, King Tupou VI, came to power last year with 16 votes to 10 in his favour.
The most recent to fall in his Cabinet is Lands Minister Dr Taniela Fusimalohi, who was found guilty by the Tongan Supreme Court this week of breaching electoral laws.
The ABC reported that Fusimalohi donated a Starlink satellite terminal to his constituency during his campaign – an act the court found amounted to bribery.
Fusimalohi is yet to be sentenced, although in similar cases in the past, the court has reportedly ordered a by-election be held.
The court had earlier convicted Tourism Minister Semisi Sika of failing to declare a NZ$7000 payment to a dance academy, which prosecutors argued was also an attempt to influence voters.
PMN reported that after the ruling, Sika defended the transaction, saying the omission was a “good faith” mistake rather than a deliberate attempt to sway voters.
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Sika said family members had attended the academy and he had a long history of supporting local community groups.
However, the court had made it clear that intent or cultural context did not override Tonga’s strict election laws.
Finance Minister Lata Tangimana has resigned after being separately convicted of providing fish to constituents during the election period.
Tangimana is reportedly appealing the ruling and remains a member of parliament.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court cleared the Deputy Prime Minister Dr Viliame Latu of electoral bribery on the grounds there was insufficient evidence.
PMN reported that while the government has not commented on the most recent rulings, Lord Fakafanua previously announced Tangimana’s resignation after his conviction.
The prime minister reportedly said he would temporarily take over the responsibility for the finance portfolio while constitutional processes ran their course, including any possible appeals to the rulings.
Under Tongan law, bribery findings typically require an MP to be “unseated”, raising the possibility that several constituencies could soon face by-elections if the rulings are upheld.
The Speaker of Parliament has been formally notified of the court decisions, which could trigger a major reshuffle within government ranks.
Associate Professor Mafua ‘a e Lulutai Malakai Koloamatangi, a political analyst, had earlier told PMN that the growing number of successful election petitions was putting pressure on the government.
He reportedly said the cases highlighted the need for greater awareness around what constitutes electoral bribery, including gifts given before and after elections.
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