Tonga still waiting for a new leader as MPs face deadline to choose Prime Minister

Tonga remains in political limbo after the recent general election, with the country still unsure who will lead the next government.

Now MPs have been given a firm deadline to name their choice for Prime Minister.

Interim Speaker Lord Tangi ‘o Vaonukonuka has told all elected representatives they must submit their nominations for Prime Minister Designate by 4.30pm on Friday 12 December.

Lord Tangi was appointed Interim Speaker by the King after the election and will oversee the process until Parliament chooses a new leader. He has set Monday, 15 December, as the day MPs will meet to vote for Tonga’s next Prime Minister.

The November 2025 general election returned 10 of the 17 incumbent People’s Representatives, while six new MPs, including a woman, were elected to Parliament.

Voter turnout was under 50 per cent, a major drop compared with the previous election, raising questions about public engagement ahead of the leadership vote.

Viliami Ta'u Tangi, styled Lord Tangi of Vaonukonuka, is a Tongan politician and former Cabinet Minister. Photo/Supplied

Until a new Prime Minister is selected, Tonga continues under a caretaker government.

Under Tonga’s constitution, the Prime Minister is chosen by all 26 members of Parliament - 17 People’s Representatives elected by the public and nine Nobles’ Representatives elected by the nobility.

Once a Prime Minister is elected, Parliament must then choose a Speaker and Deputy Speaker for the 2025-2029 term.

The four likely contenders for Prime Minister, (left to right) Lord Fakafanua, Dr Aisake Eke, Dr Taniela Fusimalohi and Hu'akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni. Photo/Supplied

Who could be Prime Minister?

Re-elected Tongatapu 2 MP, Semisi Sika, told John Pulu on PMN Tonga thatfour names are being discussed as likely candidates: Lord Fakafanua, Dr Taniela Fusimalohi, incumbent Prime Minister Dr ‘Aisake Eke, and his predecessor Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni.

Sika says he believes the role of Prime Minister should remain with the People’s Representatives. “They are the majority in Parliament, and they understand the needs of the people.”

But the nobles say the job should return to them. Noble Representative Lord Vaea argues that a noble should lead the government, saying nobles have “stronger control” and more experience running the country.

Watch Lord Vaea's interview below.

“Over the last four elections, PMs have had great difficulties controlling, that’s why I recommend that we go back in with the nobility,” Vaea told PMN News. “We can’t afford to have people giving us money all the time, we have to start working and working goes back in with the nobilities, the hereditary states.”

Tonga has not had a noble as Prime Minister since 2014, following the kingdom’s major democratic reforms in 2010.

Lord Tangi’s office says updates on the Prime Minister selection process will be provided as the nomination deadline approaches. The nation is expected to know its new leader once Parliament votes on 15 December.