Political commentators in Tonga believe that last month's dissolution of Parliament by royal decree is not a sign democracy is failing in the kingdom.
King Tupou VI's move effectively ended the term of 'Akilisi Pohiva, the first commoner to be elected Prime Minister, with new elections now due by November 16 instead of next year.
The dissolution was triggered by an approach to the King from the Speaker of the House who believed the government was acting unconstitutionally and trying to gather power for itself.
Koro Vaka'uta reports.
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Tonga's caretaker PM 'Akilisi Pohiva Photo: RNZI/Monica Miller