Lord Fakafanua, Tonga’s new Prime Minister Designate

By Katalina Siasau and Matangi Tonga reporters

BREAKING NEWS

3:30pm

Lord Fakafanua is declared the new Prime Minister of Tonga after taking 16 votes (out of 26 cast by elected members) in the Tonga Legislative Assembly today.

The Interim Speaker Lord Tangi announced the winner of the secret ballot at  3:30pm after delivering the result first to King Tupou VI.

“Let us stand togerther, it is time, Noble’s and People's Representatives to stand together,” said Lord Fakafanua after the announcement.

12:30

Interestingly, the current Deputy PM, Dr. Taniela Fusimalohi (‘Eua 11) has shown support for the noble nominee.

He said Lord Fakafanua is an all-round noble, and then wished him luck. He concluded his speech by addressing Dr. ‘Aisake Eke, telling him he had done many good things during his time in office but he did not do it alone, he had the support of the men in his Cabinet.

12:00

Elected members are delivering speeches to support the nominee they want as the next Prime Minister.

Dr. ‘Aisake Valu Eke (Tongatapu 5) was nominated by Tevita Puloka (Tongatapu 1) and supported by Semisi Sika (Tongatapu 2) and Dr. ‘Alani Tangitau (Vava'u 15).

Lord Fakafanua was nominated by Dr. Viliami Latu (Vava'u 16) and supported by Sevenitini Toumo’ua (Tongatapu 9) and Lord Tu’iha’angana.

Lord Fakafanua, flanked by Noble's Representatives, addresses the House as the second nominee for Prime Minister. Nuku'alofa, 15 December 2025. Photo: Matangi Tonga.

11:26am

“We do not need a new leader, or an old one, we need a good leader,” Hon. Dr. 'Aisake Eke, said adressing the House as first PM nominee.

Hon. Dr. 'Aisake Eke adresses the House as first nominee for Prime Minister. Nuku'alofa, 15 December 2025. Photo: Matangi Tonga

11:00 am

Nominees for Prime Minister, Lord Fakafanua and Hon. Dr 'Aisake Eke, in the Tonga Legislative Assembly today, before they make their election speeches to the House. Nuku'alofa, 15 December 2025. Photo: Matangi Tonga.

The two candidates for Tonga's Prime Minister are Hon. Dr 'Aisake Eke and Lord Fakafanua. Members of Parliament have convened in the House this morning at 10:00am to vote for their new leader.

The Interim Speaker Lord Tangi 'o Vaonukonuka, after announing the names of the two nominees at about 10:50am, has invited the first nominee Hon. Dr Eke, to address the House.

Lord Tangi is presiding over the election of Tonga's new Prime Minister by the 26 new Members of Parliament, the Parliament Chamber in Nuku'alofa.

Caretaker Prime Minister Hon. Dr 'Aisake Valu Eke (65) served as Tonga's 19^th Prime Minister for less than a year, having been appointed by HM King Tupou VI on 22 January this year. He was reelected in the November General Election as a People's Representative.

Lord Fakafanua, a Noble's Representative, has served has Speaker of the Legislative Assembly since 2017. He is a close relative of King Tupou VI.

Interim Speaker Lord Tangi 'o Vaonukonuka, announces the nominees for Prime Ministers. Tonga Legislative Assembly. Nuku'alofa, 15 December 2025. Photo: Matangi Tonga.