Tongans call for surrender of King

Thousands of protesters called for Tonga's King to surrender power to a democratic Government during a march on the Pacific island's royal palace.

The protest, ostensibly against power prices under his eldest son's electricity monopoly, saw marchers carry banners demanding democracy and calling for King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV to give up his absolute powers and become a ceremonial figure.

Between 10,000 and 20,000 people took part in the march in Nuku'alofa, capital of a country with a population of about 100,000, radio reports and witnesses said.

"People are very angry, very upset, disappointed," said Akilisi Pohiva, democracy movement leader and a people's representative in the nation's legislature.