LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF TONGA

PRESS RELEASE

JUDICIAL REVIEW NOTICE IN RESPECT OF VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE PROCEEDINGS

Notice has been received of judicial review proceedings against the Lord Speaker and the Legislative Assembly of Tonga (defendants). It contains allegations arising from parliamentary procedures that was followed in respect of the motion for a vote of no confidence in the Prime Minister, Hon. Hu’akavameiliku, which was considered by the Legislative Assembly last month. The judicial review is brought by seven of the ten Members of Parliament who had signed the motion of vote of no confidence in the Prime Minister. The defendants are presently considering their response to the matter under advisement from Legal Counsels.

The judicial review proceeding concerning the motion for a vote of no confidence is the second judicial review involving the Legislative Assembly in the current parliamentary term. The first judicial review proceeding has been stayed pending an appeal by the Lord Speaker and the Assembly against the decision of the Supreme Court to dismiss their challenge to the jurisdiction of the court to inquire into the internal proceedings of the Assembly.

Issued by the Chief Clerk of the Legislative Assembly
23 October 2023
Office of the Legislative Assembly, Nuku’alofa, Tonga