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It is a common belief that the Legislative Assembly is part of the executive government of Tonga, which is incorrect. The Legislative Assembly and the executive government have very different roles. The Legislative Assembly is the sole law making authority in Tonga (although the Privy Council can pass ordinances during the time when parliament is not in session but such ordinances must be tabled in the House when parliament resumes its business). The Legislative Assembly can make any laws whatsoever provided – (i) that it does not contradict the Constitution of 1875; and (ii) that His Majesty King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV has assented to it. Tonga’s system of parliament can be described as a Constitutional Monarchy. What the term means (from a Tongan perspective) is that the Head of State is His Majesty King Taufau’ahau Tupou IV (and he rules under a hereditary monarchy), but he exercises his powers and functions within constitutional constraints.
Members of Parliament: (From left: Minister of Justice - Hon. Siaosi 'Aho, Mr. Fineasi Funaki, Mr. 'Uliti Uata & Minister of Health - Hon. Viliami Tangi)
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