But the pro-democracy party of the late Prime Minister may not have the majority for their nomination to win the prime ministerial election.
This is because four party members in Parliament have joined the opposition.
The four who defected includes the Minister of Finance and Planning, Pohiva Tu'i'onetoa; the Minister of Justice, Vuna Fa'otusia; the member from Vava'u 16, Akosita Lavulavu; and the member from Niua, Vavatau Hui.
The defections mean that the pro-democrats will have only 9 votes for their nomination.