Dr 'Aisake Eke is Tonga's new Prime Minister

Dr ‘Aisake Valu Eke has been elected the new Prime Minister of Tonga.

A former Minister of Finance, Eke holds a PhD from the Australian National University.

He was also instrumental in initiating the two votes of no confidence against his predecessor, Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni, who resigned before the second vote occurred last week.

Eke received 16 votes out of 24 in a secret ballot on Tuesday.

Path to premiership

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 selected candidate’s name is then presented to the King, who formally appoints the nominee.

Eke was the first candidate nominated for Prime Minister, receiving support from MPs ʻUhilamoelangi Fasi and Taniela Fusimalohi.

Eke competed against another candidate, Dr Viliami Uasike Latu, the People’s Representative of Vava’u 16, who would have been the first Prime Minister from an outer-island electorate if successful.

Vava'u 16 People's representative Dr Viliami Uasike Latu. Photo/Tonga Parliament

During his speech, Eke accused the former government of issuing a $9.7 million contract with a government agency without presenting it to the Legislative Assembly.

He expressed concerns that public servants were too afraid to speak up about specific issues due to the threat of job loss and proposed establishing a whistleblower policy to protect workers.

A seasoned economic expert

Eke served as Tonga’s Minister of Finance from January 2015 to March 2017, where he played a key role in shaping significant policy decisions.

Only elected members of Tonga’s Legislative Assembly were eligible to participate in Tuesday’s PM selection. Photo/Tonga Parliament Livestream.

He built a reputation for advocating fiscal responsibility and sustainable development.

He stepped down from his finance portfolio after abstaining from a vote of no confidence in 2017.

Looking ahead

Now, the focus shifts to Eke as he prepares to select his Cabinet Ministers.

His tenure will last until November 2025, coinciding with Tonga’s General Election.