Regions and Countries

	Table of Contents
p. 5 of 18 BACK | NEXT I. Country Performance Assessment A. Economic Performance Assessment B. Poverty Assessment C. Assessment of Socio-Environmental Performance D. Governance: Sound Development Management E. Implementation Assessment II. Country Operational Strategy III. Sector Strategies IV. Regional Cooperation V. Donor Activities and Aid Coordination VI. Cofinancing and Catalyzing External Resources VII. ADB’s Operational Program VIII. Economic and Sector Work Program IX. Local Cost Financing

Country Assistance Plans - Tonga : I. Country Performance Assessment

---

D. Governance: Sound Development Management

18. Tonga’s constitutional monarchy represents a unique political system in the Pacific region. Tonga is also the only country in the region that succeeded in protecting itself from colonization, a fact that has given strength to the country’s aristocratic system and cultural values over the years. Political life is dominated by the King and 33 hereditary nobles. The King appoints the Prime Minister and members of the Privy Council, the country’s highest executive body. Although there is a pro-democracy movement in Tonga,⁴ the emphasis is on seeking to improve accountability within Government; the King is greatly respected, and few challenge retention of the monarchy. However, there is scope for strengthening public information and participation in decision-making and for introducing mechanisms for holding public officials accountable for their actions. The proposed EPSRP is expected to address a number of Governance issues, particularly related to transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the public sector and improvements of the legal framework to promote private sector growth.

____________________

Back C. Assessment of Socio-Environmental Performance	Next E. Implementation Assessment