Mr 'Akilisi Pohiva has been a member of Tonga's Legislative Assembly for 18 consecutive years, which makes him one of the longest serving People's Representative ever. He was re-elected in March 2004 for another term in parliament and re-confirmed his popularity with the highest vote count of all the candidates. He is a staunch supporter of democracy in Tonga and is one of the founding members of the Human Rights and Pro-Democracy Movement.  

The Centre for Democratic Institutions (CDI) is a government-funded body that supports the efforts of new democracies in the Asia-Pacific region to strengthen their political systems. It provides training, technical assistance and peer support for parliamentarians and emerging leaders in Southeast Asia and the South Pacific, with a particular focus on Indonesia, Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Fiji.

The Australian Government established CDI in 1998. It is funded primarily by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID). One of the primary ways in which CDI works to promote democracy is through strengthening parliamentary governance and political parties. The Centre focuses on parliamentary and political party development, and conducts flagship training courses and policy-relevant research on these subjects.

 

‘Akilisi told TNEWS he’s thrilled at the opportunity and believes democracy will not die.  ‘Akilisi also plans to meet with Tongans in New Zealand to present and answer any questions that Tongans might have regarding where he stands and his version of 16/11.

 

Story:  Setita Millar