Tongan Prime Minister Dr Feleti Sevele
The People’s Committee for Political Reform in Tonga says it hopes to present a petition calling for a new Prime Minister to the King this afternoon.
The document, thought to have between 5,000 - 6,000 signatures, follows an earlier petition by the Tongan Women’s National Congress, also seeking a change of leadership.
The committee’s petition was launched after the sinking of the Princess Ashika, in which 74 people were killed.
Congress members are 11 days into protest fasting over the handling of the Ashika disaster and other issues, including rising crime against women and children.
The number two People’s Representative and a member of the committee, Isileli Pulu, said the two organisations are supporting each other.
“We are hoping that the King will make a wise decision on how to handle this because this is not the first time for us to submit a petition for the Prime Minister to resign and hopefully the King will concede our petitions and act likewise.”
Meanwhile, the chairperson of Tonga’s Civil Society Forum said it doesn’t condone a protest hunger strike aimed at toppling the Prime Minister.
The comment comes as the head of the Tongan Women’s National Congress, Mele ’Amanaki, enters her 11th day of fasting in protest at what she describes as the injustices and poor governance of Dr Feleti Sevele’s administration.
Ms ’Amanaki said these include rising crimes against women and children and the handling of the Princess Ashika disaster.
She said 800 women have joined the protest, praying daily and fasting a day a week.
Drew Havea said the Forum opposes the same issues as the congress but doesn’t agree with the approach it’s taking.
“All of us in Civil Society as church we belong to a Christian denomination, we don’t think it is god’s will for us to take our lives. I mean the issues we need to work in whatever ways, we can support, but not to commit suicide.”
SOURCE: RNZI/PACNEWS
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