The Prime Minister, Hon. Hu’akavameiliku said it was tough to lose three cabinet ministers at the same time, but his government respects the judgments of the Court of Appeal.

"Although it is tough losing three senior members of Cabinet at this time, we will have to find replacements and continue with the work that needs to be done,."

The three Cabinet Ministers lost their parliamentary seats following the decisions made by the courts. 

The Prime Minister also confirmed receiving their letters of resignation from their Ministerial posts.

In a media statement issued on the afternoon of 11 August, the PM said all due processes were followed and the three Cabinet Ministers used the opportunities available to them by law. 

"The judgments by the Appeals Court have now been made against them and we accept that. The decision is respected and we will abide by them."

He also thanked the three Cabinet Ministers for their contribution to Government and the people of Tonga.

The three included, Deputy Prime Minister, Hon Poasi Tei, Member for Tongatapu 6 and Minister for MEIDECC; Finance Minister Hon Tatafu Moeaki, Member for Tongatapu 4 and the Minister for Internal Affairs Hon. Sangster Saulala, Member for Tongatapu 7.

Special Session

The judgments of the Special Court of Appeal session held last month were released late Tuesday afternoon by its President, Justice Sir Peter Blanchard, with Justice White, Justice Estcourt and Justice de Jersey.

The three Cabinet Ministers separately appealed against orders of the Supreme Court on election petitions, brought by different petitioners under the Electoral Act, challenging the validity of their election on grounds of acts of bribery to induce voters in the lead-up to the November 2021 General Election.

However, their appeals were dismissed by the Appeals Court, who declared their elections are void. 

The three have since been unseated by the Legislative Assembly, and who announced 3 November as the date for the Tongatapu By-Elections to elect their replacements.