The Tonga Parliament is due to convene today, after the administration postponed it from last week, stating that it needed more time to work on the Budget.

Tonga MPs and visitors await the King’s opening of Parliament.

Tonga MPs and visitors await the King’s opening of Parliament. Parliament of Tonga
The four MPs and three cabinet ministers who were found to have bribed voters will be present at the meeting.

Prime Minister Huakavameliku Siaosi Sovaleni has informed Tonga that the expelled MPs can stay since they have asked for a stay on the rulings while they appeal.

The Parliament is required by law to “unseat the members” whose elections have been deemed null and unlawful by the Supreme Court.

Late last week, Finance Minister Tatafu Moeaki’s stay was approved, allowing him to remain in parliament until his appeal is heard.

Also late last week, the administration announced that the Budget had been completed and submitted to Parliament.

It is the first item on the agenda for Parliament today, according to our source, while the removal of the four MPs is number four.