Tongan government branches come together for Commonwealth dialogue on separation of powers

A Commonwealth Latimer House Dialogue was held in Tonga last week to help strengthen how the country’s judicial, executive and legislative branches work together in service of the nation.

The dialogue was hosted on 23 and 24 July 2025 in the capital, Nuku’alofa, at the request of the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga. It was the first dialogue of its kind in the Pacific to bring all three arms of government together.

The discussions followed the spirit of Talanoa - a traditional Pacific approach to open, inclusive and respectful dialogue.

With guidance from experienced facilitators, participants explored how the Latimer House Principles - a set of democratic guidelines adopted by Commonwealth countries in 2003 - can be applied within Tonga’s system of governance.

By the end of the dialogue, they agreed on a set of recommendations to strengthen dialogue and collaboration between the different branches of government.

Guardrails of democracy

Lord Fakafanua, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga, opened the welcome ceremony, which was attended by high commissioners, government officials, church leaders, and representatives from independent commissions, civil society, women’s groups, youth bodies and media organisations.

In his keynote address, Lord Fakafanua highlighted the significance of the Latimer House Principles. He noted that the principles advocate for institutional independence, judicial integrity and parliamentary oversight to uphold democratic values and protect human rights.

For Tonga, the only remaining constitutional monarchy in the Pacific, these principles form the foundation of governance, particularly significant given it has been just over two decades since the country’s 2010 democratic reforms.

Lord Fakafanua said:

“They [Latimer House Principles] serve as an overarching framework to strengthen governance, particularly in nations like the Kingdom of Tonga, by setting standards for effective and accountable democratic systems.”

In her remarks, Dr Elizabeth Macharia, acting Head of the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Rule of Law Section, said:

“The Commonwealth is grateful for the support offered in making this dialogue happen.

“We are hopeful that this open, respectful and inclusive dialogue which is so central to the Pacific way of life, will foster greater communication, connection and understanding between the three arms of government which though separate, find their optimal strength when woven carefully together in unity.”

The dialogue is part of a broader Commonwealth programme to support good governance through the separation of powers - the principle that courts, parliament and executive government must each have space to operate independently and responsibly, while still working together for the good of the nation.

Similar dialogues have recently been held in Lesotho, Barbados, the Isle of Man and Papua New Guinea.