Democratic party

The PTOA party, or Democratic Party, had been a dominant force in Tongan politics for some years but it slipped into opposition after the death of then Prime Minister Mr Pohiva last September.

The party deputy, Pohiva Tu'i'onetoa, linked with the nobles and gained the premiership, forcing the remains of PTOA out of power.

Kaniva Pacific quoted another party member Tu'i Uata, saying Mateni Tapueluelu, a son-in-law of Mr Pohiva, caused the fracture by his own push for power.

Isi Pulu was a founding member of the party that the interim Prime Minister 'Akilisi Pohiva leads.

Mr Pulu, who was first elected in 2002 but missed out in the 2014 election after falling out with Mr Pohiva , said he wants to bring greater accountability to parliament.

He said the democratically-led government had lost its way, leaving people still striving for better living standards.

Despite this, Mr Pulu said he does not harbour any bad feelings over his split with Mr Pohiva, who he believes may be receiving bad advice.