Neu: 2002-04-24 Contents of this issue:
1. Switched On Radio 2. Leadership Struggle ======================================================================== April 24th, 2002 1. Switched On Radio: Pacific Partners Christian Radio Ministry 93FM in Tonga has the power! After a year of transmitting on batteries charged by unreliable diesel generators the privatised Tonga Electric Power Board has hooked up the station to a temporary line. Radio officials say the voltage is low but its enough to keep the lights burning and the batteries charged. The popular 93FM station now has a telephone and staff say they are being being inundated with calls.Pacific Partners now require a permanent power connection and need to raise $USD600.00 for a permanent pole to be installed, supply lines from the nearby village in Nuku'alofa and a permanent connection. Donations can be pledged at <a href="http://www.p- acificpartners.org/cg/Donation?Action=New">http://www.pacificpartners.o- rg/cg/Donation?Action=New</a>. 2. Leadership Struggle: Intense political jostling by three factions on Niue is delaying the selection of a Speaker and Premier in the island's Legislative Assembly. It could be next week before lobbying is completed and political commentators report the current situation is a result of party politics in the world's smallest state with a 20 seat Assembly. There were no changes in the weekend general election when all sitting members were returned. Earlier this week the team of Alliance of Independents met with highest common roll poller Toke Talagi in a bid to overthrow the Niue Peoples Party. However sources say personality differences put a damper on that coalition which would have seen Mr Talagi as the country's leader with a majority of one. The ruling Niue Peoples Party is believed to be in turmoil as previous Premier Sani Lakatani is reported to be facing a challenge from his deputy Young Vivian who is apparently facing his final three years in politics and wants a shot at the top job. Some assembly members have changed allegiances adding complexity to the factions lobbying. NPP members met in the village at Liku last night to try and resolve the conflict. Key players in the leadership struggle are keeping their cards close to the chest refusing to make any public comments. __END__
