Tongan Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni is facing a new no-confidence vote following recent political tensions and concerns raised by the King.
Kaniva Tonga News reports the Speaker of Parliament, Lord Fakafanua, announced the no-confidence vote motion over the weekend.
The Prime Minister survived a motion for a vote of no confidence ballot against him in September 2023.
A statement noted:
“The Office of the Lord Speaker of the Legislative Assembly received on Saturday 23 November 2024 a notice of intention to move a motion for a vote of no confidence in the Prime Minister, Siaosi Sovaleni.
“The notice was submitted by the Representative of the People of Tongatapu 5, Hon. Dr ‘Aisake Eke, together with the motion for a vote of no confidence in the Prime Minister, which has been signed in support by 10 Members of Parliament including Dr Eke”.
Although PM Sovaleni survived last year’s vote of no confidence, many issues from the more than 40 motions were believed to have not been resolved.
Last week King Tupou VI allegedly expressed concerns against the Minister of Lands’ handling of land issues.
Last year’s vote of no confidence against PM Sovaleni was also submitted by Dr Eke.
There are 26 seats in Tonga’s Legislative Assembly, comprising nine noble’s representatives, and 17 people’s representatives.