[1] The 1987 Tongan general election saw the election of Laki Niu and ʻAkilisi Pōhiva and an increased focus on accountability for the government, particularly in the areas of parliamentary allowances, passport sales, and financial management.
[2] After a series of evasive Ministerial answers and Ministers using international travel to avoid being questioned entirely, in September 1989 all the elected People's Representatives walked out, returning only when they would have forfeited their seats.
[2]: 363 During December and January conservatives led by Lord Fusituʻa attempted to enlist the church to back a "church and state" campaign and formed a de facto political party.
[2]: 365–366 In January 1990 King Tāufaʻāhau Tupou IV intervened in the election, giving an interview to Matangi Tonga in which he complained about the walkout and said that change could become uncontrollable and result in a Coup d'état.
[2]: 366 The Times of Tonga reported that claims that reformers were communists attempting to overthrow the government was a campaign of fear.