Tonga General Elections

The incumbent, Pohiva Tu'i'onetoa, has pulled out and there are now two contenders.

The caretaker education minister, Siaosi Sovaleni, is facing 'Aisake Eke, who won re-election last month after losing in his seat in the 2017 poll.

RNZ Pacific's correspondent, Kalafi Moala, said it appears that Mr Tu'i'onetoa is backing Dr Eke - hoping he will continue to follow the policies of the previous government.

Nominations for Tonga's prime minister close next Tuesday.

Mr Tu'i'onetoa became prime minister following the death of 'Akilisi Pohiva two years ago.

This is on top of one of the shortest candidate lists in Tongan history - at 75.

But one candidate has since died and another two have stepped aside to help their colleagues.

RNZ Pacific's correspondent in Tonga, Kalafi Moala, said seven candidates have PhDs, which shows how young and educated the candidates are.

"Very youthful, a number that are between 40 and 50, and then a number who are highly educated and some who have tremendous experience, working either overseas or in Tonga.