Lord Fakafanua is Tonga's new PM

Lord Fakafanua has been elected as Tonga’s Prime Minister, winning 16 out of 26 votes cast in Parliament on Monday.

At just 40 years old, he defeated the only other nominee, caretaker Prime Minister Dr ‘Aisake Eke, in a vote held by the Legislative Assembly.

Earlier in the sitting, Lord Vaea was elected uncontested as Speaker of Parliament, with Lord Tu'iha'angana confirmed as Deputy Speaker.

Fakafanua becomes the first Noble Representative to serve as Prime Minister in more than a decade, following the Kingdom’s democratic reforms in 2010.

According to Tonga’s Constitution, the Prime Minister is chosen by the Legislative Assembly, which consists of both People’s Representatives and Nobles’ Representatives, through a majority vote or nomination.

The successful candidate’s name is then presented to the King, who formally appoints the Prime Minister.

Lord Fakafanua during the Prime Minister selection debate. Photo/Supplied

During the debate, Fakafanua criticised what he described as a lack of progress under the current government and called for a return to Tonga's traditional values and leadership approaches.

His nomination was supported by Lord Tu’iha’angana, the Noble Representative for Ha’apai, Dr Viliami Latu, the People's Representative for Vava’u 16, and Sevenitini Toumo’ua, the People’s Representative for Tongatapu 9.

Fakafanua entered Parliament at the age of 24, becoming one of the youngest MPs in Tonga's history after assuming the role following his father’s death.

Caretaker Prime Minister Dr 'Aisake Eke who was the only other contender for the Prime Ministership. Photo/Supplied

He is the royal estate holder for Ma’ufanga, Tonga’s most populated suburb in the capital Nuku’alofa.

At just 27 years old, he was elected Speaker of Parliament, becoming the youngest person to hold the role in Tonga’s history and, at the time, the youngest in the world.

Fakafanua holds a Master of Arts in Diplomacy, Law and Business from O.P. Jindal Global University in India. His wife, Lady Fane Fakafanua, was appointed this year as Tonga's Honorary Consul of India, based in Nuku’alofa.

During the Prime Ministerial debate, supporters of Fakafanua, including caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Dr Taniela Fusimalohi, praised his experience and leadership credentials.

Listen to Lord Fakafanua's interview ahead of the 2025 Tonga elections below.

Fusimalohi was expected to nominate himself, but PMN News understands that he was unable to secure enough support.

Supporters of Eke raised concerns about the balance of power, saying the positions of Speaker and Deputy Speaker are constitutionally reserved for nobles, and questioning whether the Prime Minister's role should also be held by a Noble Representative.

Tonga now awaits the announcement of the new Cabinet, which will confirm the make-up of the kingdom's next government, while the King is expected to formally appoint Lord Fakafanua in the coming days.