Nukuʻalofa, Tonga — As Parliament considers the Pacific Games Organisation Bill 2026, questions are being raised over whether the people of Tonga have been given enough time and opportunity to understand the proposed legislation and make their views known.
The Legislative Assembly has invited members of the public to provide feedback on the Bill, which relates to the organisational framework for Tonga’s hosting of the 2031 Pacific Games.
However, concerns have emerged over the limited time available for members of the public to participate in radio discussions.
During yesterday’s discussion, the announced time was from approximately 12:30pm to 1:30pm. According to concerns raised by members of the public, only a small number of callers were able to get through before the programme ended.
A3Z Radio Tonga was among the platforms used for the discussion. It was reported that around nine people were able to speak during the available time, leaving others without an opportunity to put forward their questions or views.
The issue is therefore not simply how many people participated, but whether the format and timeframe allowed a broad cross-section of the community to engage with legislation of national importance.
For a Bill concerning the organisation and governance of Tonga’s hosting of the Pacific Games, members of the public may want to understand its proposed powers, responsibilities, financial implications and institutional arrangements before expressing a view.
Written submissions provide another avenue for people to respond. However, not everyone has the same ability to prepare a written submission, and some members of the public may first need an opportunity to ask questions and understand the proposed law.
MORE THAN A FORMALITY
Public participation in important legislation is more meaningful when people have a realistic opportunity to listen, question, respond and contribute.
The concern now being raised is whether the limited radio discussion periods and available opportunities are sufficient to capture the range of views across the community.
The Pacific Games will involve significant national planning and public resources. As taxpayers and members of the community, Tongans have a legitimate interest in understanding the legislation that will help establish the framework for its organisation.
The issue is therefore one of transparency and participation: have the people of Tonga been given enough time and space to properly engage with the Pacific Games Organisation Bill 2026 before Parliament proceeds with it?
That is a question for Parliament and Government — and one that the public deserves a clear answer to.
