Grieving Tongans 'could launch democracy bid'

Dissatisfaction with the Tongan government's handling of the ferry disaster could see a new drive for democracy, says a local journalist. Photo / Glenn Jeffrey

Dissatisfaction with the Tongan government's handling of the ferry disaster and the nation's overwhelming grief at the loss of 93 lives could see a new drive for democracy, says a journalist based there.

Mateni Tapu'eluelu, of pro-democracy newspaper Kele'a, has clear memories of the 2006 pro-democracy riots in the capital Nuku'alofa in which eight people died and more than $100 million in damage was caused.

They were the most violent civil protests ever seen in the Pacific and were fuelled by Tongans' anger that the country's move away from the monarchy and towards a more democratic political system was taking too long.

Tongans now had more reason than ever to seek a change of government, Mr Tapu'eluelu said.

Tensions have been mounting since the ferry tragedy on August 5, particularly as it emerged that the Tongan government turned down an offer of a state-of-the-art ferry just two months before the ageing Princess Ashika sunk.

An American-based Tongan expatriates business group offered to run the ship as a joint-venture, seeking only a modest cut of ticketing funds.

"It would have been ideal for the Tongan government shipping line. (But) they turned our offer down and bought the 'Big Fiji Coffin' for whatever reason," said Meteliko Tuaileva, director of the American Pacific Islanders Foundation.

People's representatives tried in vain to stop the government buying the Princess Ashika, Mr Tupu'eluelu said.

"The anger is now pointing at the structure in which decisions can be made without due regard to people's opinion," he told Radio New Zealand.

"The question of accountability is becoming very clear. They are now focusing on who should be (held) responsible."

The shock of the tragedy was compounded by news that King George Tupou V left for a four-month overseas trip within an hour of being told of the apparent serious loss of life.

He was formally saluted at the Edinburgh Military Tatoo on Saturday morning, but this was believed to be his only official engagement of the trip.

"What I can sense from people is that the anger is more realistic (than in 2006), it's more apparent, and it's intensifying as the days go by," Mr Tapu'eluelu said.

He said the people were very aware the king had left the country when they needed him most.

"The people will look at the monarchy as not the kind of system that will provide them with proper leadership during a crisis like this.

"The calling now is for democracy and making sure that it does happen as soon as possible."

Mr Tupu'eluelu said Tongans wanted an interim government to be put in place, to allow a peaceful transition to democracy next year.

"With people's anger intensifying, there is a danger if that is not properly handled."

- NZPA