Petition for Tonga PM to resign

TONGA – A group of Tongans is preparing a petition which calls for the resignation of Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva.

The group, understood to contain both foreign based and local Tongans, has launched an online fundraiser in an effort to raise capital so that they can promote their cause.

The campaigners said a united stance is needed against what they allege is government lawlessness and corruption.

They said they need finances for a campaign to gather support and inform people of the issues.

The group’s fund-raising page hits out at a perceived poor response to this year’s Cyclone Gita and said the government seemed to be prioritising amassing political power over governing and the welfare of the people.

The prime minister has had a number of health scares in his latest term and the group has called for him to retire for the benefit of the country.

RNZ Pacific understands some civil servants and MPs are said to be backing the move, with plans to present the final petition to King Tupou VI as well as to Pohiva.

- RNZ