The president of Tonga's newest political party says an alternative to the few existing options is one of the main reasons behind their setting up.
Sione Fonua says there needs to be more competition to the pro-democracy movement and its offshoots so they've established the Paati Langafonua Tu'uloa, or PLT.
He says the PLT does support political reform but believes it could take some time.
Mr Fonua says they want to stand candidates for all nine peoples' representative seats and the party is busy recruiting for the elections next March.
"We have about 30 members here, financial members but it is growing. Our committee here is working hard and recruiting members. And, we have gone out and talked to people in villages and kava drinking. The response from them is very supportive and they supported the idea that there is an alternative choice for them."
Mr Fonua describes the PLT as neither right nor left-wing but a sustainable, environmentally conscious, pro-business party.
