Results for Parliament

The 2026 session of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga was officially opened today, 15 January 2026. The address from the throne by HM King Tupou VI, read by Lord Fakatulolo, struck a biblical tone. The King warned the House and the country to be wary of wickedness.

Supporters of the outgoing Prime Minister Hon. Dr. 'Aisake Eke failed to convince their fellow People's Representatives to keep the premiership within their table on Monday. The election of the new Prime Minister from the Noble's table proved a marked shift in alliances, with Dr Eke's own deputy, Dr. Taniela Fusimalohi, publicly declaring support for the rival candidate, Lord Fakafanua, along with close allies of Eke's predecessor PM, Hon. Hu'akavameiliku (PR Tongatapu 3).

Lord Fakafanua (40), who entered parliament in 2009 as a Noble’s Representative, has served as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga since 2017. Today's ballot in the House was secret, but the numbers suggest that the Noble PM Designate attracted the support of at least seven of the People's Representatives.

Two written nominations of candidates for Prime Minister Designate were received before the deadline at 4:30pm today, the Chief Clerk of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga confirmed this evening. The names will be disclosed on Monday when elected representatives meet to choose the next Prime Minister.

A second written nomination for the position of Prime Minister Designate was received today, 10 December, by the office of the Interim Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga.

The first nomination for Prime Minister Designate was received on 4 December by the the Interim Speaker, Lord Tangi ‘o Vaonukonuka. Written nominations close on 12 December.

Nominations for the Prime Minister Designate have been called for by the newly appointed Interim Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Rt. Hon. Lord Tangi ‘o Vaonukonuka. All all elected representatives of the Legislative Assembly may submit nominations.

The only woman elected in Tonga’s General Election, last week, Fane Fotu Fituafe (43), would like to see more women’s representation in Tonga’s parliament and in government leadership positions. The mother of five, is a newcomer to politics, but brings her leadership experience from management roles across 16 LDS schools

After a slow day, polling stations closed across Tonga at 4:00pm. Tonight, as ballots are counted, the people await the outcome of the “quietest” General Election in memory.