Tonga PM election

Sovaleni reportedly garners noble backing in Tonga PM race

Mr Sovaleni has gained support at the expense of his rival, former finance minister, 'Aisake Eke according to Radio New Zealand Pacific correspondent Kalafi Moala.

Mr Moala said Mr Sovaleni now has 12 MPs backing him with Mr Eke's numbers slipping to five, but he says the way the nine nobles vote remains the key.

He said there are reports that two nobles are preparing to back Mr Sovaleni, which give him the crucial 14 votes.

Tonga parliament to elect new PM on Friday

The vote follows the death of Prime Minister 'Akilisi Pohiva, whose state funeral was held last week.

The two candidates are Mr Pohiva's deputy, the acting prime minister Semisi Sika, and the finance minister, Pohiva Tu'i'onetoa.

Mr Pohiva's family have endorsed Mr Sika for the role, with his daughter saying her late father had met with Mr Sika shortly before his death.

     

Process to elect Tonga PM to begin shortly

The interim speaker, Lord Tangi, can now invite the successful candidates from the November 16 election to submit nominations for prime minister.

The soon to be sworn in MPs have two weeks to submit their nominations to Tangi before a secret ballot is held within another three more days of that deadline.

Before the ballot, nominees are given a chance to speak and other MPs may speak in support of their respective candidate.

Tangi will report the result to the palace before the Prime Minister designate is summoned to be appointed by the King.