Tonga’s next PM hangs in the balance as King ends visit to China

Tonga is in political limbo following last week’s general election. Parliament has not yet chosen a new Prime Minister, leaving the nation’s leadership uncertain.

Newly re-elected MP from Tongatapu 2, Semisi Sika, says the next Prime Minister of Tonga should come from the People’s Representatives, not the nobles.

Sika reclaimed his seat after losing it in 2021 to Dr ‘Uhilamoelangi Fasi.

In an interview with John Pulu on PMN Tonga, Sika says he’s been approached by some candidates who want to be Prime Minister.

He says four frontrunners include Lord Fakafanua, Dr Taniela Fusimalohi, caretaker Prime Minister Dr ‘Aisake Eke, and former Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni.

Under Tonga’s Constitution, the job of Prime Minister must go to someone chosen by the 26 Members of Parliament, which consists of nine Noble Representatives and 17 People’s Representatives.

PMN News understands that Parliament is expected to choose a new Prime Minister before Christmas.

Tongatapu 2 MP Semisi Sika. Photo/Supplied

Dr Malakai Koloamatangi, an academic and political scientist, says public attention is now focussed on whether the 17 People’s Representatives can unite behind a candidate. After all, they outnumber the nobles and could decide the leadership.

Koloamatangi told Pulu the People’s Representatives hold a clear majority over the nine Noble Representatives.

But it’s not guaranteed. Some members of the nobility argue that the next Prime Minister should come from their ranks. Earlier, Lord Vaea told PMN News that he would like to see a “noble” lead because their experience and traditional authority make them best placed to guide the kingdom.

Watch Dr Malakai Koloamatangi's full interview below.

Meanwhile, Tonga’s only woman MP, Fane Fituafe, has thanked voters for their support. She represents Tongatapu 6 and is only the eighth female in Tonga’s history to be elected to Parliament since 1951.

She also told Pulu that she remains committed to her campaign priorities: education, youth opportunities, agriculture, and women’s empowerment.

As Tonga waits for Parliament to pick a new leader, the royal spotlight turns overseas: King Tupou VI wraps up his official visit to China.

According to China’s Embassy in Tonga, the King met President Xi Jinping in Beijing and confirmed a new set of cooperation agreements. Xi called Tonga a “true friend” and promised to strengthen ties with the Pacific nation in trade, infrastructure, clean energy, agriculture, healthcare, tourism, education, and climate change.

The embassy says the King told Xi that Tonga values its relationship with China and is ready to grow cooperation in the key areas Xi highlighted.

Watch King Tupou VI's welcoming ceremony in China below.