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Category: About Parliament

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Lord Fakafanua - Speaker of the Legislative Assembly

The Office of the Speaker in the Legislative Assembly of Tonga holds a crucial role in the functioning of the parliamentary system. Here's an overview:

Role and Responsibilities: The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly is elected by members of the assembly and presides over its meetings. The Speaker's primary role is to ensure that debates are conducted in an orderly manner, that parliamentary procedures are followed, and that all members have the opportunity to participate.

Impartiality: The Speaker is expected to be impartial and fair in their rulings, regardless of their political affiliations. They represent the assembly in its relations with the monarch, the government, and other institutions, both domestically and internationally.

Administrative Duties: In addition to presiding over debates, the Speaker also has administrative responsibilities. This includes overseeing the staff of the Legislative Assembly, managing the assembly's budget, and representing the assembly in matters related to its administration.

Committee Assignments: The Speaker typically plays a role in appointing members to parliamentary committees and may chair certain committees themselves. These committees play a vital role in scrutinizing legislation, conducting inquiries, and holding the government accountable.

Symbolic Role: The Speaker often serves as a symbol of the authority and independence of the legislative branch of government. They may represent the assembly at ceremonial events and functions, both within Tonga and abroad.

Term of Office: The Speaker is usually elected at the beginning of each parliamentary term and serves until the end of that term, unless they resign or are removed from office by a vote of the assembly.

In summary, the Office of the Speaker in the Legislative Assembly of Tonga is essential for ensuring the effective functioning of the parliamentary system, maintaining order and decorum during debates, and upholding the principles of democracy and accountability.

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Category: About Parliament

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Parliament Education Unit

The Parliament Education Unit is tasked with developing educational program and resources to promote, enhance awareness, build knowledge and understanding of the history, roles, and functions of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga. The educational program and resources are for students, teachers, and the public.

Our work includes:

• School and community visit
• Parliament Tour
• Workshop
• Response to queries

School and Community visit

“Our Parliament, Bringing Parliament to You” is the theme of our outreach activity to schools and communities. Every year, the Education team from the Legislative Assembly of Tonga visits schools and communities on the main island, Tongatapu and the outer islands for its outreach program. The visit is an opportunity to take parliament to the public and let them have a first-hand experience of the work of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga.

During these visits presentation on:

• What is Parliament?
• Roles and Function of Parliament
• How laws are made in Parliament
• Roles of the MPs
• Political reform in 2010
• The formation of government
How government is kept accountable?

Students watching a video on a laptop about Parliament in the islands. Most or all of them have never been to the main island..

Education Officer, Linda Filiai conducting Outreach Program.

Parliament Tour

Do you want to have a tour of the Parliament Chamber? Yes, the Education Unit of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga can make it happen. Bookings can be made via phone call (676) 24-455 or 23-565 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Workshop

The Education Unit had previously facilitated workshops for media personnel, teachers, and the general public to uplift their knowledge about the work of Parliament.

Response to queries

For further enquiries please contact (676) 24-455 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.