By Katalina Siasau
Supporters of the outgoing Prime Minister Hon. Dr. 'Aisake Eke failed to convince their fellow People's Representatives to keep the premiership within their table on Monday.
The election of the new Prime Minister from the Noble's table proved a marked shift in alliances, with Dr Eke's own deputy, Dr. Taniela Fusimalohi, publicly declaring support for the rival candidate, Lord Fakafanua, along with close allies of Eke's predecessor PM, Hon. Hu'akavameiliku (PR Tongatapu 3).
Lord Fakafanua, the Ha’apai Noble’s Representative No. 1, won the secret ballot with a vote of 16-10, to become the Prime Minister Designate, at a special meeting of the elected members of Parliament on Monday, 15 December 2025, in Nuku’alofa.
During the face-off debate of the two nominees for the new Prime Minister, the caretaker Prime Minister, Dr. ‘Aisake Eke (PR Tongatapu 5) defended his 10 months in office.
He highlighted his efforts to resolve disputes and address corruption cases within both the previous and his own government, including the recent suspension of the former Minister for Police, Piveni Piukala (PR Tongatapu 7 who is embroiled in an ongoing corruption investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commissioner.
In the November 2025 General Election, Dr. Eke was the highest polling candidate, receiving 1568 votes (72.9% of his constituency).
He was nominated by Tevita Puloka (PR Tongatapu 1), and supported by Semisi Sika (PR Tongatpu 2), and newcomer Dr. ‘Alani Tangitau (PR Vava’u 15).
People’s concern
Mateni Tapueluelu (PR Tongatapu 4) expressed concern about a noble taking the top role.
He argued that in the interests of greater accountability, "We believe the leader of the Cabinet should be from the People's table.”
He warned the members saying "in the future, we will be tied up by your decision today."
Meanwhile, two newly elected People's Representatives of Ha'apai, Saimone Kapetaua Vuki and ‘Esafe Hema Latu, firmly pushed for a PM from their table, noting that nobles already hold the positions of Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
PM a constitutional right
The efforts of Eke and his supporters were doomed when the meeting unfolded, with shifting alliances within the People's table.
Two close allies of a former PM Hon. Hu’akavameiliku) (Siaosi Sovaleni) with Sevenitini Toumo’ua (PR Tongatapu 9) and Dr Viliami Latu (PR Vava'u 16) supported Lord Fakafanua.
People's Rep Dr Latu nominated Lord Fakafanua, praising him as a public figure with international connections and experience. He defended Lord Fakafanua's constitutional rights. “Even though he is a noble, but as a Tongan, he has a constitutional right to become our Prime Minister," he said.
Dr. Taniela Fusimalohi also supported the noble, citing the constitutional right of any of the 26 members to become Prime Minister.
Addressing the House, PM Designate Lord Fakafanua acknowledged the divide between nobles and the people, he said was caused by the 2010 political change.
He argued that he is accountable not to the nobles or the King, but to the people in the districts he represents.
Lord Fakafanua has landed estate in Ha'apai, Niua, Vava'u, and 'Eua.
Notably, Lord Fakafanua is Tonga's third Prime Ministe in just under two years.
A long-time parliamentarian, he served as Speaker since 2012.
