Tongans cast votes against the nobles

TONGAN voters have struck a blow for democracy in their South Pacific microstate, despite a warning from the deputy prime minister, who is also the police minister and public hangman, that this might be construed as the capital offence of sedition.

It was not much of a revolution, since Tonga's 45,000 voters can elect only nine members of parliament. Real power is held by King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV and the 33- member nobility, choose the other 21 MPs from among their number. According to early results, however, as many as seven of the members chosen by the public oppose this feudal state of affairs.

Demands for the power of the aristocracy to be curbed have been growing for some time, led by 'Akilisi Pohiva, an MP and newspaper editor, who has been described as a 'Marxist' by the King and a 'terrorist' by one of his ministers. In fact, Mr Pohiva simply wants a constitutional monarchy on the British model, instead of one where ministers have to be nobles and are appointed for life.

His crusade has the support of leaders of the Wesleyan and Catholic churches and was backed by a four-day democracy conference last November, which warned that violence might break out if power was not shared more equally.

The nobility has responded angrily. Earlier this week, 'Akau'ola, the Deputy Prime Minister, broadcast a 53-minute appeal on Tongan radio for the maintenance of the status quo.

Statements suggesting the overthrow of the monarchy were seditious and treasonable, 'Akau'ola said. He reminded Tongans that treason carried the death penalty. The Prime Minister for life, Baron Vaea, has been more conciliatory, suggesting before the election that a pro-democracy outcome might cause the authorities to consider changes. But for the moment Tonga is not living up to the name given it by Captain Cook: the Friendly Islands.