Tonga Prepares for New Prime Minister as Parliamentarians Meet on Christmas Eve

The Pacific island nation of Tonga is set to elect its new prime minister on Christmas Eve, following the resignation of Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni. The development has sparked excitement among parliamentarians, who will gather on December 24th to cast their votes for the country’s leader.

The Process and Rules

According to Lord Fakafanua, Speaker of the House, the Tongan constitution is clear on what happens next. Parliamentarians will issue letters to all 26 members of parliament (MPs) on Tuesday, calling for their nominations for leader. These must be submitted by December 23rd, and the election of the prime minister will be conducted by secret ballot on Christmas Eve.

To win, candidates need to secure a simple majority of the total number of MPs eligible to vote. However, there is some uncertainty surrounding this point, as the constitution’s rules for election are based on a post-election scenario. In this case, the King would appoint an interim Speaker to oversee the election, who is not an elected MP.

The Background and Resignation

Hu’akavameiliku quit his position on Monday after delivering a emotional statement in parliament. He stated that it was “better to leave” and expressed confidence that the new prime minister will do a great job, given only 10 months remain before the next elections.

He told RNZ Pacific: “Whoever the new prime minister is going to be will do a great job given that we only have another 10 months before the [next] elections.”

The Election Process and Outcomes

Parliamentarians will need to decide whether Lord Fakafanua has the casting vote, which would bring the number of eligible voters to 13. Alternatively, if he decides not to participate, the total number of MPs would be 14.

The election process is set to conclude on Christmas Eve, with the outcome being determined by a simple majority of votes cast.

These must be submitted by 23 December and the election of the prime minister will be conducted by secret ballot on Christmas Eve.

A New Era for Tonga

The resignation of Hu’akavameiliku marks an unprecedented move in Tongan politics. The country’s constitution is being tested as parliamentarians navigate this new development.

As Tongans prepare to elect their next leader, the nation looks forward to a fresh start and a new era of governance. Only time will tell who will emerge victorious in this Christmas Eve election.