His Majesty King Tupou VI has appointed Lord (Dr.) Viliami Tangi as Interim Speaker of Tonga’s Legislative Assembly, with effect from Friday 17 November.
The appointment was made under Clause 61 of the Constitution of Tonga.
A government statement said the Interim Speaker will invite elected representatives of the Legislative Assembly to submit a nomination for Prime Minister designate.
Lord Tangi will call a meeting of the elected representatives of the Legislative Assembly, who will then vote in a secret ballot to elect the Prime Minister from the nominated representatives. The Speaker and the Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga will also be elected.
The writ of election will be returned on or before the 30 November 2017. This date is crucial as it triggers the time period specified by law for the nomination of candidates for Prime Minister Designate and the meeting to elect the Prime Minister Designate, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and the Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.
Lord is currently the Chief Surgeon Specialist at Vaiola Hospital.