THE parliamentary constituency visit begins today allowing MPs to travel and talk with their electorates on the interests and concerns that affect their daily lives.
This is part of their parliamentary annual visit to their constituency as well as visiting Government Ministries and Departments.
Parliament is an essential part of the Tongan politics. Its main roles includes debating and passing all laws (legislation), passing the national budget, examining and challenging the work of the government (scrutiny).
The annual parliamentary visit is an opportunity for the MPs to learn more about the needs and wants of their electorates and at the same time visit Government’s ministries and departments. It gives them a chance to raise issues of concern for clarification.
Through such visits, MPs can also use their position to ask government ministers questions about current issues thus holding Government accountable to the people.
The previous Governments had responded to the public’s plea for routine maintenance of the roads as well as launching of the pension scheme for the elderly as a result of annual constituency visits.
MPs for all electorates in Tongatapu, ‘Eua, Ha’apai and Vava’u are taking part in the two weeklong program except for the Niuas.
The constituency visit for the Niuas will take place on July 29 and it will coincide with the two northern most islands’ Agricultural Show early next month.
Meanwhile the Legislative Assembly is adjourned until further notice.