‘The Prime Minister knew his fate’

Tonga is preparing to appoint a new Prime Minister by Christmas Eve amid significant political and economic uncertainty.

Speaking on Pacific Mornings, Tongan community leader Melino Maka outlined the challenges confronting the Pacific island nation.

How it all started

“Back in 2023 in September, there was a vote of no confidence, but they didn't have the numbers,” Maka said.

“I think that this time the allegations against the Prime Minister and the government are similar, but I think that they [opposing party] hit the numbers, and the Prime Minister knew his fate.”

Hu'akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni’s resignation ahead of a second vote of no confidence earlier this week has thrown the country into disarray, prompting two Cabinet Ministers to resign from their portfolios.

According to Tonga’s constitution, the Legislative Assembly has 14 days to select a new Prime Minister, with the process set to take place on Christmas Eve.

Maka said he received a tip about Hu’akavameiliku’s resignation a few days prior. He viewed it as a strategic move to disrupt proceedings.

Tonga's former prime minister Hu'akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni, middle, hosted the Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting in August. At left is UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres and far right is PIF secretary-general Baron Waqa. Photo/Joseph Safiti

Both votes of no confidence were initiated by Dr ‘Aisake Eke, the Tongatapu 5 Representative, who was the sole challenger to Sovaleni in the initial Prime Minister selection.

Understanding Tonga’s Legislative Assembly

Tonga’s Parliament, also known as the Legislative Assembly, consists of 26 members - 16 directly elected People’s Representatives and nine Nobles’ Representatives selected from the hereditary nobles of Tonga.

The Prime Minister is chosen through nominations from the members of the Legislative Assembly.

Any member can be nominated, and all 26 members vote on the candidates.

The candidate who secures a majority of at least 14 votes is elected as Prime Minister and submitted to the King for endorsement.

The Prime Minister then selects Cabinet Ministers with up to four unelected members.

Hu'akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni, left, and Dr 'Aisake Eke. Photo/Tonga Parliament Facebook

Economic struggles

Maka’s concerns extend beyond the political landscape.

He pointed out struggles within the private sector and a growing reliance on international aid.

“I spent the last four months in Tonga.

“I saw something different from the previous times I’d visited.

“I observed that there's no investment in the country… The private sector is so depressing.”

Maka proposed leveraging the expertise and resources of the Tongan diaspora as a potential solution.

Fromleft, Lord Vaea, Lord Fohe, and Lord Tu'iafitu all resigned from their ministerial portfolios. Photo/Supplied

A call for effective leadership

Maka urged political leaders to prioritise the interests of the Tongan people rather than engage in political manoeuvring.

“We need leadership in Tonga who need to understand the country needs a good economic plan going forward.

“You can't rely on donor countries to fund half of your budget.”

Looking ahead: Tonga’s future leader

Speculation regarding who will lead Tonga next has intensified.

Maka stressed the importance of selecting a Prime Minister capable of uniting the nation and effectively addressing pressing issues.

Although Hu’akavameiliku has not ruled out the possibility of running again for Prime Minister, Maka shared his perspective on the matter.

“I would advise not to because you know he wanted to keep his integrity intact.

Samiu Vaipulu is Tonga's caretaker Prime Minister and has ruled out being a candidate for PM. Photo/Tonga Parliament

“At the end of the day those nominations have to go to the King to endorse.”

A call to action

As Tonga approaches the deadline for leadership nominations, Maka called for bold and innovative leadership.

He emphasised the urgent need for practical solutions to Tonga’s economic challenges, including inflation and food insecurity.

This message is a critical directive for the incoming Prime Minister, who will be chosen in just over a week.

“At the moment, there are nine People’s Representatives against the current Prime Minister. But the key to this is the Nobles.

“In 2023 September, some of the Nobles were split. A lot were supporting the Prime Minister, and this time, there’s a high chance it could be different after the two Cabinet Ministers, who are also Nobles, resigned.

“I think for the interest of the country, for the Tongan people in Tonga and also overseas, we need good leadership now in order to bring the country together and find a path forward.”

Watch former PM Hu'akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni deliver his resignation speech.