An invitations for nominations to elect a Prime Minister has been sent out to all elected parliamentary representatives today, after the Writ of Election was returned to King Tupou VI on November 30 in Nuku'alofa.

The nominations are required by law to be submitted to the Interim Speaker Lord Tangi, within 14 days from the date of the Return of the Writ.

Nominations close on December 14. A secret ballot to elect the Prime Minister Designate will be held on a date to be announced on December 15.

The Clerk of the Legislative Assembly, Gloria Pole’o, confirmed they had sent out letters inviting the 26 members to submit their nominations today.

Nominations are to be seconded or supported by two represenatives. She said there is no restriction on the number of nominees.

However, a representative can be nominated only once, and represenatatives can support only one nomination.

After the secret ballot, the Interim Speaker will report the result to the King, before the Lord Chamberlain summons the Prime Minister designate to be appointed by the King.

Pita Vuki, Supervisor for Election said the writ was returned on November 30.

King Tupou VI is currently abroad but the writ was returned to the Lord Privy Seal and a representative from the Palace Office.