by Martin Haffner Associate Editor
‘Aisake Eke is the new prime minister of Tonga. He won the secret ballot votes 16-8 at a special sitting on Tuesday. Vote results announced by Lord Fakafanua saw 16 votes for Eke and 8 for the other nominee, Viliame Latu, from a total vote of 24.
King Tupou VI endorsed the result before the announcement by Lord Fakafanua.
Eke will be officially sworn in at the next sitting of the Tongan Parliament, expected to be on February 3, 2025.
The Speaker Lord Fakafanua confirmed that the names of two contenders were received by the Clerk’s office when the nomination deadline closed at 4.30pm on Monday, 23 December.
The two nominees were ‘Aisake Valu Eke and Viliame Lasike Latu.
Tonga’s Dr Viliame LatuTonga’s Dr Viliame Latu Photo: Supplied
Tongan MPs to decide on new prime minister next week
Pacific Waves
21 December 2024
Queue
Eke, who filed a motion of no confidence against Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni late last month, was believed to have the backing of 14 MPs, including three Nobles.
His nomination was handed in by Tongatapu 2 representative, Dr Uhilamoelangi Fasi last Friday.
Latu, a current Cabinet Minister, was nominated by the current government. His name was registered by Vava’u 14 MP, Mo’ale ‘Otunuku.
Present during the special sitting were eight Nobles representatives in Lord Vaea, Lord Tu’ivakano, Lord Fohe, Lord Tu’iafitu, Lord Tu’ilapeka, Lord Tu’iha’agana, Lord Nuku and Speaker, Lord Fakafanua.
Apology was received from Lord Kalainivalu Fotofili, who is sick.
Peoples’ representatives who were present were Tevita Fatafehi Puloka, Dr ‘Uhilamoelangi Fasi, Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni, Mateni Tapueluelu , Dr ‘Aisake Eke, Dulcie Elaine Tei, Paula Piveni Piukala, Johnny Grattan Vaea Taione, Seventini Toumoua, Kapinieli Molitoni Lanumata, Dr Taniela Fusimalohi, Mo’ale Finau, Veivosa Light of Life Taka, Mo’ale ‘Otunuku, Samiu Kuita Vaipulu, Dr Viliami Uasike Latu, Vatau Mefi Hui.
Parliament heard that there were attempts by some MPs to have Dr Eke as the only nominee, with Ha’apai MP Mo’ale Finau and Tongatapu 7 member Paula Piveni Piukala revealing they had discussed the issue with Dr Latu and his team.
But Latu said in response that he was accountable to the people of Vava’u 16, the constituency he represents, and he had used his constitutional right and agreed to be nominated for PM.
Who is Eke?
The new Prime Minister had previously served as Minister for Finance and National Planning from 2014, under the former Lord Tu’ivakano government untol March 2017 when he resigned fromt he government of the late Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva.
He is a former Secretary for Finance in Tonga.
His political career started in 2010 when he was first elected as the MP for Tongatapu 5.
He lost his seat in 2017 but returned to Parliament in 2021, where he was also nominated for PM, losing to Hu’akavameiliku.
Tonga’s Prime Minister Hu’akavameilikuHu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni Photo: Matangi Tonga
Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni resigned as prime minister on 9 December ahead of a no-confidence motion.
Speaking to RNZ Pacific after stepping down, he said “this is the best way forward for Tonga”.
“It’s better for me just to leave,” he said.
He thanked his supporters and is hoping “someone” will rise up to lead the Kingdom for the next 10 months before the next general election.
He said there were a few highlights during his term as prime minister, including the setting up the Tonga National University, securing funding to get a second internet cable, and building a new hospital in Va’vau.
