Pohiva defeats Nobles’ motion
THREE years after winning an election, pro-democracy fighter Samuela ‘Akilisi Pohiva has fought off a second vote of no confidence to maintain his position as Tonga’s prime minister. Behind the unsuccessful motion of no confidence in Parliament is a group of nobles, forced to give up their control of the house in 2010 by command of the late King George Tupou V. Pohiva prevailed by 14 votes to 10 with the Cabinet giving him 12 votes and an additional two from Pro-Democracy Movement Members of Parliament.
The 10 votes against him were from seven Noble Representatives – Lord Tu’ilakepa who tabled the no confidence motion, Lord Tu’iha’angana, Lord Fusitu’a, Lord Tu’i’afitu, Lord Tu’iha’ateiho, Lord Nuku, Lord Vaea – and Samiu Vaipulu, Vili Hingano and Fe’ao Vakata who represent the people.
Survivor Tonga Pohiva defeats Nobles’ motion Vaipulu was Deputy Prime Minister in the last Tongan government to be controlled by the Nobles. Dr Malakai Koloamatangi, Pacific Director at Massey University in New Zealand, told ABC Radio that the motion was a waste of time because the proposers knew they did not have the numbers to topple the government.
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