NUKU'ALOFA, July 29, 2008 (AFP) - Tonga's king, who presides over one of the last absolute monarchies in the world, has confirmed he is ready to start handing power over to the people, his spokesman said Tuesday.

Tongan King Siaosi Tupou V, whose official coronation takes place on Friday, 'is voluntarily surrendering his powers to meet the democratic aspirations of many of his people,' said a statement from Lord Chamberlain's office.

It was the strongest statement yet from the king on the devolution of power after he had pledged to make 'appropriate changes' in the small South Pacific kingdom of 115,000.

Siaosi Tupou, who assumed the monarchy after his father Taufa'ahau Tupou IV died two years ago, sees himself as an architect of change in Tonga.

He views the royal heritage as integral to Tonga's culture and identity, but he accepts the need for a more representative, elected parliament, the statement said.

'His majesty wishes to ensure that the monarchy is fully prepared for elections in 2010 under a revised voting system granting the majority voice in parliament to the people.'

Before becoming king, the 60-year-old Siaosi Tupou was a controversial figure in the island country due to his widespread business interests, including the kingdom's electricity company, a brewery, an airline and a telecommunications company.

The bachelor spent much of his time outside Tonga and was known for his taste for ornate uniforms and the London taxi he uses to be chauffeured around the capital Nuku'alofa.

He has given up his business activities since his father's death.