Parliament of Tonga - Homepage

Parliament of Tonga

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

 

Visitors are welcome to visit the Parliamentary Library from 9.00am – 4.00pm weekdays.

 

Can I visit Parliament House?

To visit parliament House (debating chambers) please contact the clerk of the House - viliami_latu@parliament.gov.to or the Deputy Clerk & Legal Adviser - sione_tekiteki@parliament.to for arrangement and confirmation.  Visits and tours are usually only permitted when parliament is not in session (beginning from November to April.)

To visit parliament officers in regards to information for research work, school assignments or any queries, please contact us

 

When does Parliament sit?

Opening & Closing of Parliament

Parliament usually opens in late May and closes in late October.  However, parliament opens and closes at the discretion of His Majesty King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV, so exact dates are difficult to determine before hand.

Sitting Days

When parliament is in session, sitting days are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from the hours of 10am to 12 noon and from 2pm to 4pm.  Fridays and Wednesday are when the Standing Committees or sometimes the Select Committees usually meet.

 

 

How do I find who is the Prime Minister?

 

Go to the page http://www.parliament.gov.to/members.html and you will find a list list of Ministers, Nobles Representatives and Peoples Representatives - click on the name and you will get a profile of the member.

 

What rules cover Parliament?

 

The Rules of the Proceedings and the Standing Orders of the Legislative Assembly are the rules that regulates and governs the internal business of the House.

 

Is the Legislative Assembly part of the Executive?

The Legislative Assembly is an independent body separate from the executive government

 

What role does the legislative Assembly play?

The Legislative Assembly is the institution where is is either made or repealed.  It is the House where all policies and laws are debated. see The Parliamentary System

 

Is there an overview of Parliament?

The House at Work page will give you an overview of how the Parliament works

 

How can I contact Members of Parliament?

To contact Members of Parliament see Contacts