Photos by Pesi Fonua and Caroline Manu Moli

Tonga's Members of Parliament are currently on a 15-minutes break before they cast their vote in a secret ballet to elect Tonga's Prime Minister from two nominations read out this morning at Parliament House.

Caretaker Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva and his former Deputy PM Siaosi Sovaleni are vying for the top job.

The process began at 10:00am and included speeches from the two nominees for Prime MInister, and more than 10 members of parliament out of the 26 who made impassioned speeches in support of their favourites.

Shortly before 2:30pm, the Interim Speaker Lord Tangi adjourned for the break, after the speeches were completed and the two nominees made their final thanks.

After the secret ballot, the votes will be counted and the result will be first delivered to the King before it is released to the public - and how soon that will be is unknown.

Support

Pohiva’s nomination was submitted by his interim Minister of Finance, Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa, People’s Representative for Tongatapu No.10 constituency, supported by Saia Piukala, People’s Representative for Vava’u No.14 and Vatau Hui, the People’s Representative for Niuas No. 17.

Siaosi Sovaleni was nominated for PM by Samiu Vaipulu, Vava’u's People’s Representative for Vava'u  No. 15 seconded by Tevita Lavemaau, People’s Representative for 'Eua No.11 and Lord Tu’ilakepa, Noble's Representative Vava’u 1.

The PM's appointment will be made the King.