Two names for Prime Minister before Legislature today

Two names for Prime Minister before Legislature today [1]

Nuku'alofa, Tonga

Wednesday, January 20, 2010 - 16:57. Updated on Friday, May 2, 2014 - 16:13.

Lord Tupou reads out the nominations for Prime Minister Designate.

Tonga's new parliamentarians are now speaking before casting their ballots to decide who will become Prime Minister Designate. The names of two nominees, Lord Tu'ivakano and 'Akilisi Pohiva were announced shortly after 10:00 am this morning by the Interim Speaker Lord Tupou who opened the envelopes containing three nominations at an historic Special Meeting of the Legislative Assembly in Nuku'alofa.

Sione Tekiteki opens the nominations box.

All 26 members of the new Legislature are present to take part in a secret ballot that will take place when members finish their speeches today.

The three nominations read out by Lord Tupou were:

1. Lord Tu'ivakano, nominated by People's Representative Sunia Fili ('Eua) and supported by Samiu Vaipulu (Vava'u) and Dr Viliami Latu (Tongatapu);

2.'Akilisi Pohiva nominated by People's Representative 'Isileli Pulu (TT) and supported by Sangstar Saulala (TT) and Sione Taione (TT);

3. 'Akilisi Pohiva nominated by People's Representative Sitiveni Halapua (TT) and supported by Semisi Sika (TT) and Sifa Tu'utafaiva (TT).

'Akilisi Pohiva (Tongatapu), nominated for PM.

Lord Tu'ivakano, nominated for Prime Minister.

In a Special Meeting of the Tongan Legislature, today, Lord Tupou reads out the nominations for Prime Minister Designate.

Nobles, from left, Tu'iafitu, Vaea and Ma'afu.

Nobles from left, Tu'iha'ateiho, Fakafanua and Tu'ilakepa.

The Interim Speaker Lord Tupou and Acting Clerk of the Legislature Sione Tekiteki.

People's Representatives, 'Akilis Pohiva, Semisi Sika, and Sitiveni Halapua.

People's Representatives.

Sunia Fili, PR for 'Eua, speaks in support of the nomination for Lord Tupou.

People's Representatives Mo'ale Finau (Ha'apai) and 'Uliti Uata (Ha'apai), with (in background) the New Zealand HIgh Commissioner, the Ambassador of China and the Ambassador of Japan.

People's Representatives, Semisi Sika, Sitiveni Halapua, 'Isileli Pullu and 'Aisake Eke.

Interim Speaker Lord Tupou.

Noble Lasike queries the legality of voting for PM without taking their oath as new members.

People's Representatives, from left, Samiu Vaipulu (Vava'u), Dr Viliami Latu (Vava'u), and Sosefa Vakata (Niuas.

Nobles Representatives, from left, Tu'iafitu, Vaea, Ma'afu and Tu'ivakano.

Tonga Prime Minister [2]

Lord Tu'ivakano [3]

'Akilisi Pohiva [4]

Parliament [5]