No confidence vote to be tabled in Tonga

A vote of no confidence in Tonga's government will be tabled in parliament next week.

RNZ reports a notice of the motion was distributed by Speaker Lord Tu'ivakano in Parliament just before the house closed yesterday.

The Prime Minister 'Akilisi Pohiva was not in Parliament, but Lord Tu'ivakano said he may respond to the vote of no confidence between now and next Monday when the vote will be dealt with.

Earlier Mr Pohiva said he had the numbers to defeat the vote.

Lord Tu'ivakano said the actual vote of no confidence will have to take place by the end of Monday February 27.

In Tonga a vote of no confidence may be tabled, only after 18 months has passed since a General Election.