Tonga

The three branches

Head of state — The King of Tonga

Retains defined prerogatives, including appointment of some officials and the chairing of the Privy Council.

Executive — Cabinet led by the Prime Minister

Since 2010 the Prime Minister is elected by the Legislative Assembly and appointed by the King.

Legislative — Legislative Assembly (Fale Alea)

Unicameral; 17 people's representatives elected by universal suffrage and 9 nobles' representatives elected by the 33 nobles.

Judicial — Court of Appeal, Supreme Court and Land Court

Judges appointed by the King with the consent of the Privy Council or on the Judicial Appointments Panel's recommendation.

Land and titles — Privy Council of Tonga

Domestic appellate body for hereditary estates and titles.

How legislation is made

Bills pass three readings in the Legislative Assembly and require the King's assent, which is a real rather than purely formal step. Ordinary bills need a simple majority. Amendments to the Constitution require a majority in the Assembly at three separate readings and the consent of the King and Privy Council, and clause 79 forbids any amendment affecting the law of liberty, the succession to the throne or the titles and hereditary estates of the nobles.

Enforcement institutions

Tonga Police

National police service under a Commissioner.

Office of the Attorney General

Principal legal adviser and prosecutor.

Office of the Auditor General

Audits public accounts and reports to the Legislative Assembly.

Anti-Corruption Commissioner

Established under the Anti-Corruption Commissioner Act.