Tonga's parliament to elect new prime minister today

Tonga's parliament will sit today to elect a new prime minister.

Two MPs vying for the role are the incumbent, 'Akilisi Pohiva, who is up against his former deputy, Siaosi Sovaleni.

Siaosi Sovaleni and another minister, Tevita Lavema'au, were sacked by Mr Pohiva just weeks before the King dissolved parliament, that called for last month's snap election.

Akilisi Pohiva's Democratic Party has 14 of the legislature's 26 seats, but commentators said the election could go either way if MPs cross the floor.

 

 

Photo: RNZI/Monica Miller Tonga's caretaker PM 'Akilisi Pohiva