**Tongan Prime Minister Resigns Ahead of No-Confidence Vote**

In a surprising move, Tongan Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni has resigned from office ahead of a no-confidence motion that was set to be debated in the parliament. The decision comes as a shock, given that the prime minister had previously defeated a similar vote of no confidence last year.

**Background**

Hu’akavameiliku’s resignation was confirmed by the Tongan parliament office on Monday, and he spoke publicly about his decision shortly after. According to reports, the prime minister addressed the house before the motion was tabled, stating that “it is better for me just to leave” as a way forward for Tonga.

**Analysis**

Hu’akavameiliku’s resignation has been described by some as a necessary move, given the significant stress and pressure he had faced during his tenure. AUT senior lecturer Sione Tekiteki told RNZ Pacific that Hu’akavameiliku “has been through a lot” and would have weighed up all of the stresses before deciding to step down.

“It’s probably good that it’s come from him and he’s done it in his own terms,” Tekiteki said. This sentiment has been echoed by some who believe that Hu’akavameiliku’s resignation will allow for a fresh start in Tongan politics.

**Previous Defeat**

Interestingly, Hu’akavameiliku had previously defeated a no-confidence motion against him last year. However, this time around, it seems that he was unable to withstand the pressure and decided to step down voluntarily.

The decision has sparked debate about the future of Tongan politics, with some expressing concern about the impact on the country’s stability and others welcoming the change. As one news outlet noted, “the motion for the no-confidence vote had not been tabled, and there was no debate on it.”

**Next Steps**

Parliament has been adjourned for lunch, and will resume at 2pm local time. Hu’akavameiliku is expected to hold a news conference at lunchtime, providing further insight into his decision.

In conclusion, the sudden resignation of Tongan Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni has sent shockwaves through the Pacific nation’s politics. While the reasons behind his decision are complex, it is clear that he has made a difficult choice in order to ensure the best possible outcome for Tonga.

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