FROM OUR ARCHIVES
Photos by Linny Folau and Pesi Fonua
There was an hour of suspense today 21 January 2010, while Members of Parliament waited at Parliament House for the Interim Speaker to return from his visit to the King and to announce the name of the new Prime Minister Designate.
A secret ballot was made shortly after 10:00am, on the second day of a Special Meeting to Elect a Prime Minister.
All speeches in support of the two nominees, Lord Tu'ivakano and 'Akilisi Pohiva were made the previous day.
Following the voting the Interim Speaker announced that one nominee had a majority and he was leaving at 11am to see the King at his Villa to give him the result.
Just before mid-day Lord Tupou returned and there was high tension in the House before he announced that Lord Tu'ivakano had won the ballot by 14-12.
Lord Tu'ivakano made a speech and then members left parliament with a mixed feelings. Outside the Parliament House members started patting each other on the back and hugging.