An emotional Siaosi ‘Ofakivahafolau Sovaleni (51) was elected as Tonga's new Prime Minister Designate just before 3:00pm this afternoon, winning 16 votes in the Legislative Assembly at Nuku'alofa.

Rt Hon. Lord Tangi the Interim Speaker announced the result of the secret ballot to the meeting, after conveying the result King Tupou VI via zoom, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs office. (The King is currently in 'Eua.)

The Interim Speaker said 26 elected representatives cast their votes for the secret ballot to elect PM Designate and Sovaleni won with 16 votes.

(Lord Tu'ilakepa who was not present at the roll call, also cast his vote.)

‘Aisake Valu Eke People's Representative (TBU 10) was the second nominee.

After the result was announced, the PM Designate made an emotional speech of gratitude to the representatives for electing him.

"I am grateful that you all have given me your trust with this important role to lead our government for the next four years."

"I hope that we work together as one House," he said.

Sovaleni is the Minister for Education and Training. A People's Representative, he was re-elected to parliament with a total of 2084 votes in his constituency, Tongatapu 3, in the November 18 general election.

He has Bachelor Science and Computers Science, minor (Mathematics) attained from the University of Auckland, and a Master Science in Computation from the University of Oxford in England.

In addition, he attained a Postgraduate Diploma for Managers requiring Advanced Analytic Skills and Master of Business Administration from University of the South Pacific.

He was first elected to parliament in November 2014 general election, and was Deputy Prime Minister from 2014-17. He became Minister for Environment and Communication from 2015-17.

Sovaleni previously contested the Premiership with 'Akilisi Pohiva, in 2017, but was defeated by 12 votes to 14.

He assumed office as Minister of Education and Training in October 2019, in the cabinet of the Prime Minister Pohiva Tu'i'onetoa.

He was born on 28 February 1970 and is married with a family.