By Pesi Fonua

Before nominations for Tonga's next Prime Minister close on Tuesday next week, the People's Representatives are busy aligning themselves around two members who are competing to form the new government.

A nominee needs to win the support of half of the 26-member parliament to get the appointment (or half of the elected representatives who are present at the meeting for a secret ballot).

So far 10 of the 17 newly elected People's Representatives have publicly identified themselves as supporting Siaosi ‘Ofakivahafolau Sovaleni – the interim Minister of Education, as their choice for PM. The group numbers 11, including himself, and so he is almost certainly assured a nomination.

This group today was formally seeking the support of nine Nobles' Representatives, in what will be a secret ballot, probably held late next week, to elect the Prime Minister Designate.

Meanwhile, ‘Aisake Valu Eke, a former Minister of Finance who regained his Tongatapu no. 5 seat, is a spokesperson for the remaining six People's Representatives, but his group will also need to attract the Nobles' votes in order to win half of the votes in the secret ballot.

The secrecy of the ballot means that it's not over until it's over. The meeting for the ballot is likely to be held by Friday next week, and a new government formed before Christmas.

General Election

In Tonga's November 18 general election, 17 People's Representatives were elected by 60,414 eligible voters, and nine Nobles’ Representatives were elected by 33 Nobles and five Life Peers.

The Interim Speaker Lord Tangi, who was appointed by the King, called for nominations of candidates for a Prime Minister Designate. Nominations started on 30 November and will close at 4.30pm, 14 December 2021.

Within three days after 14 December Lord Tangi will convene a meeting of all the elected representatives of the people and the nobles to decide whom they shall recommend for appointment as Prime Minister Designate. The nominations will be read at the meeting and representatives have the right to speak on their own behalf or that of another candidate.

A secret ballot will be held.

If one candidate receives more than half of the votes of those present, the Interim Speaker will report to the King that the elected representatives recommend the appointment of that person as Prime Minister Designate.

If no single candidate is elected then two days later they will have another meeting and the candidate with the least votes will be eliminated and another secret ballot will be held for their choice among the remaining candidates.

This means if they can't decide the PM next week the process will run on into the following week.

Following the election of the Prime Minister Designate, the elected representatives to the Legislative Assembly will also elect the new Speaker and a Deputy Speaker.

The 26-member, all-male, parliament was elected on 18 November for a four-year term.

So far 11 of the 17 newly elected People Representatives aligning with Siaosi ‘Ofakivahafolau Sovaleni (including himself) are: Tevita Fatafehi Puloka, Tatafu Toma Moeaki, Poasi Mataele Tei, Sione Sangstar Saulala, Semisi Tauelangi Fakahau, Sevenitini Toumo’ua, Vili Manuopangai Faka’osiula Hingano, Veivosa Light of Day Taka, Saia Ma’u Piukala and Samiu Kuita Vaipulu.

The remaining six elected People’s Representatives are: ‘Aisake Valu Eke, Taniela Liku'ohihifo Fusimalohi, ‘Uhilamoelangi Fasi, Pohiva Tu'i'onetoa (interim Prime Minister), Viliami Uasike Latu and Vatau Mefi Hui.

So, at the end of this electoral process, it seems the way we are going to elect our next prime minister and his cabinet, is not along party lines, but between two fluctuating groups; and that the process of winning votes in the members' ballot is not much of a secret.