| GENERAL INFORMATION ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT |
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The Kingdom of Tonga consists out of a total of 176 islands with only one-third of these inhabited. The country is divided for administrative and political purposes in five larger island groups and a total of 23 districts. The districts form the second tier of government in Tonga and form the country’s local government. District and town officers head the institutional divisions of Tonga and have a variety of administrative and other duties. Water and waste management, basic healthcare and infrastructure are some issues the district and town officials are responsible for. They also have the power to call a community meeting or fono to discuss matters of priority with different parties involved. Local officials are elected every three years in a local election similar to parliamentary elections. Local elections were held in 2010 and planned tentatively for 2013.
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Although town and district officials have been elected since 1965 the first legislation concerning local government was drafted in 1988. The fonos Act and District and Town Officers Act basically formalized many of the practices that were active for many years. The fonos Act outlined and specified the different types of fono and determined the regulations concerning attendance to fono meetings. The District and Town Officers Act determines the election periods for, rights, duties and salaries of local officials. Other legislation influencing localities mostly concern fishery, waste and water management as well as minor changes made to previous legislation such as the amendment to the District and Town Officers Act of 2000. This amendment specifies the course in the case officials retire or decease and how to proceed in filling the vacant position.
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Development issues are mostly determined by the local officials who have to submit regular reports to the national government as well as explain and discuss executed policy in meetings. The Tongan Development Bank supports local initiatives such as agricultural or tourism improvements. Other development schemes have a more national focus and are often cooperative initiatives between the Tongan government and international partners. For example a cooperation between the Tongan and Australian governments has improved vital government institutions in order to strengthen governance and accountability also on the local level.
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Local Government Associations
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More information will follow.
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National Local Government Partners
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Ministry of Lands, Survey & Natural Resources
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Regional Local Government Representation
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More information will follow.
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DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
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| Caribbean |
West Africa |
Central Africa |
Eastern Africa |
Southern Africa |
Pacific |
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