Editor's Comment

by Pesi Fonua

Now that the historical 2005 parliamentary general election is over, the next question is who will gain the Grace and Favour of the Royal Family to become Cabinet Ministers?

Four ministers are to be selected this year from the new Nobles' and People's Representatives.

With regards to the Nobles if you go by the number of votes, then Hon. Vaha'i and Hon. Tu'ivakano are a definite choices. If they become Ministers it will free Tongatapu Nobles' seats giving Prince Tu'ipelehake another chance of regaining a seat in the House - since he was standing for election in Tongatapu this year.

More interesting though, is which two from the People's Representatives will become Cabinet Ministers?

Feleti Sevele, was already rumoured before the election as a potential Minister. But if you go by the people's votes then 'Akilisi Pohiva is clearly the people'’s favourite and as such he should become a Cabinet Minister. With over 11,000 votes, '‘Akilisi was well ahead by about 3000 votes from the first runner-up '‘Isileli Pulu, and 'Akilisi polled well above the No. 1 elected representatives from all the other districts.

Once the People's ministers are selected, Government has said there will be a by-election to fill their vacated seats in the House.

On the other hand, if there is no by-election and the next runners-up are chosen there are some interesting scenarios. For instance, if 'Akilisi Pohiva and Feleti Sevele were chosen to become Ministers, then Clive Edwards and Fuiva Kavaliku are next on the polling list to become members of parliament.

The other two possible Cabinet Ministers are 'Uliti Uata, the No. 1 for Ha'apai and Samiu Vaipulu the No. 1 for Vava'u.

If for example 'Akilisi and 'Uliti Uata become ministers, then Clive Ewards from Tongatapu and 'Osaiasi Latu from Ha'apai might become members of parliament, but if Samiu Vaipulu is chosen with either 'Uliti, Feleti or 'Akilisi, then Sangster Saulala the third runner in Vava'u might become a member of parliament.

Clive Edwards whose candidacy galvanised the election in Tongatapu, still has a strong chance of getting into the House, because definitely either Feleti, 'Akilisi or both of them will become Cabinet Ministers.

Clive's best bet is that there will be no by-election and he will automatically enter the House.

A by-election in any of the electorates will be a real dog-fight, because this time around there will be fewer candidates. A by-election in Tongatapu will be a battle between Clive Edwards, Fuiva Kavaliku and Lopeti Senituli. In Vava'u it will be between Sangster Saulala, Masao Paasi and '‘Etuate Lavulavu, and in Ha'apai it will be between 'Osaiasi Latu and Sailosi Vea Fanua.

In the end the timing of the ministerial selection and the method by which the vacated seats are filled depends on the grace and favour of the King.