A BLOC of 15 members of Parliament have agreed on one nomination for Tonga's new Prime Minister, which was submitted on Tuesday, December 7, according to a People's Representative.

The members who formed the bloc did not want to reveal the name of their nominee until the nominations are opened by the Interim Speaker, on December 17.

A Vava'u People's Representative and Interim Minister of Justice Hon Samiu Vaipulu, told Matangi Tonga Online today, December 8, that the bloc, who included the nine Nobles' Representatives and six elected People's Representatives, had given their support to one nomination for a Prime Minister.

Samiu said that the nomination was seconded by two members, as required by law, and it was delivered by one of the Vava'u People's Representatives, Dr Viliami Uasike Latu, to the office of the Interim Speaker, Lord Tupou, at the Parliament's Office in Nuku'alofa yesterday, December 7.

He said that the 15 members included the three Vava'u PRs, Samiu Vaipulu, Lisiate 'Akolo and Viliami Uasike Latu; the 'Eua PR, Sunia Fili, the Niuas PR, Fe'ao Vakata; and one Tongatapu PR, 'Aisake Eke.

Samiu was also confident that two more PRs would join the bloc before the House reconvened to elect a Prime Minister by secret ballot.

The Interim Speaker has invited the 26 elected representatives to put forth their nominations for Prime Minister before November 16. It is expected that he will open the envelopes on December 17.

According to procedure within three days from December 16, the Interim Speaker would hold a meeting of all elected Representatives of the People and of the Nobles to decide who they shall recommend to be appointed Prime Minister.

At this first meeting, all representatives have a right to speak, and a secret ballot will be conducted among those present. A candidate must receive more than half the votes to become Prime Minister Designate.

The Interim Speaker shall report to the king, the name of the elected representatives recommendation for Prime Minister.

Speculation

Meanwhile, in Nuku'alofa election observers are speculating that the nomination is for the noble Tu'ivakano, currently the interim Minister of Training, Education, Youth and Sports.