Two names for Prime Minister before Legislature today [1]
Wednesday, January 20, 2010 - 16:57. Updated on Friday, May 2, 2014 - 16:13.
Tonga's new parliamentarians are now speaking before casting their ballots to decide who will become Prime Minister Designate. The names of two nominees, Lord Tu'ivakano and 'Akilisi Pohiva were announced shortly after 10:00 am this morning by the Interim Speaker Lord Tupou who opened the envelopes containing three nominations at an historic Special Meeting of the Legislative Assembly in Nuku'alofa.
All 26 members of the new Legislature are present to take part in a secret ballot that will take place when members finish their speeches today.
The three nominations read out by Lord Tupou were:
1. Lord Tu'ivakano, nominated by People's Representative Sunia Fili ('Eua) and supported by Samiu Vaipulu (Vava'u) and Dr Viliami Latu (Tongatapu);
2.'Akilisi Pohiva nominated by People's Representative 'Isileli Pulu (TT) and supported by Sangstar Saulala (TT) and Sione Taione (TT);
3. 'Akilisi Pohiva nominated by People's Representative Sitiveni Halapua (TT) and supported by Semisi Sika (TT) and Sifa Tu'utafaiva (TT).