Tonga will select a new Prime Minister on Christmas eve, 24 December following the resignation of Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni, which was accepted by King Tupou VI Monday.
During Monday’s Parliament session, the King’s Private Secretary, Sione Fifita, announced the acceptance of Sovaleni’s resignation.
Speaker Lord Fakafanua then set a 14-day window for members of Parliament to nominate candidates for the top job, with nominations closing on 23 December.
Parliament will reconvene the next day to finalise the selection process, in line with Clause 50A of the Constitution.
Within three days of the deadline, elected representatives from both the People’s and Nobles’ groups will meet to recommend the new Prime Minister.
Concerns about leadership during the transition were raised by Lord Tu’ivakano, who suggested the King might need to appoint a temporary cabinet.
However, the Speaker clarified that Deputy Prime Minister Samiu Vaipulu would assume the duties of the Prime Minister until a successor is named.