Tonga's Parliament approved a special commission Wednesday to develop political reforms, moving one step closer to changing the system of government in this near-feudal Pacific island kingdom. Plans for reform have been on hold for several months because of bickering by lawmakers about the changes needed to modernize Tonga's political system.
Under the constitution established in 1875, only nine of Tonga's 32 lawmakers are elected by popular vote. The king appoints the prime minister and 13 ministers, and the country's nobility appoint another nine legislators.
Changes being considered since rioting in November 2006 would let Tonga's 66,000 voters elect up to 26 legislators in a new 30-seat Parliament.
The five-member Constitution and Electoral Commission _ whose members cannot be serving lawmakers or Cabinet members _ has ten months to complete its report to the nation's Privy Council and Parliament.
The commission's formation comes before five days of celebrations surrounding the coronation of King Siaosi (George) Tupou V, beginning July 29.
Tupou V became king in September 2006 _ succeeding his late father _ but his coronation was postponed after the riots when he decided to focus attention on rebuilding the capital. The coronation is on Aug. 1.
The impoverished kingdom is expected to spend 5 million Tongan dollars (US$2.5 million) on the celebrations, but has said it expects to make double that amount from about 5,000 visitors who will attend. © GPD AP
* Royalblog.nl will report from Tonga starting July 29.
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