As the kingdom is celebrating its 150th anniversary of its constitution, political expert Dr Malakai Koloamatangi warns the nation’s electoral and constitutional journey remains unfinished.

In his recent article, Koloamatangi writes, “Elections are the lifeline of representative government… the call for more democracy from some quarters would be muted once the people were enabled, through better representation…” He emphasises that while Tonga’s 2010 reforms introduced a modern representative parliament, significant gaps remain, particularly the noble-voter franchise and under-representation of women.

Koloamatangi traces Tonga’s system from the 2010 overhaul in which a hybrid model of people’s and nobles’ representatives emerged. He notes the Constitution and the Electoral Act “were carried out in two parts: … a reform of parts of the Constitution by amendment … and a reform of the Electoral Act”. He argues representation is key and points out that “It seems like a fair argument to make that around 50% of the population should be represented in parliament.”

Against the backdrop of nationwide celebrations, which include a week-long program and additional public holiday declared by the government for November 3 and 4, Koloamatangi warns that “the work is unfinished,” calling for mechanisms enabling overseas Tongans to vote, reconsideration of the first‐past-the-post system, and a constituency model balancing local and national priorities.

As the country reflects on a century and a half of constitutional governance, Koloamatangi’s commentary invites consideration of how to deepen democratic representation and honour the founding document’s spirit.