Only one nomination for the election of Tonga’s new Prime Minister had been submitted, by mid-day today, with four and a half hours to go before the closure of nominations for candidates, the office of the interim Speaker of the Tongan Parliament confirmed.

The Deputy Clerk of the House, Dr Sione Vikilani told Matangi Tonga that they will inform the public when the nominations close at 4.30pm today.

One nomination was received by the Interim Speaker, Lord Tangi, on 5 December, submitted by Hon. Pohiva Tu’I’onetoa, the People’s Representative for Tongatapu 10, and the acting Minister of Finance.

Tongans are patiently waiting to find out who will lead their government during the next four years.The date and time of the meeting to elect the PM designate will be announced after nominations close today.

There is no restriction on the number of nominees. Nominations are to be seconded or supported by two representatives.