King Tupou VI has formally accepted Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni’s resignation as Tonga’s Prime Minister, according to a statement from the Office of the Speaker of Parliament.
The decision was confirmed this morning, ahead of a parliamentary debate on a Motion for a Vote of No Confidence filed by Tongatapu 5 MP Hon. ‘Aisake Eke.
In an emotional address, Sovaleni announced his immediate resignation but affirmed his commitment to continue serving as a Member of Parliament.
Before announcing his shock resignation on Monday, Sovaleni said in his address that the nobles were afraid and so swayed [from standing together with him]. “I hope there will be a time when we’ll work together,” he said acknowledging the nobles representatives.
“I thought this land had been granted freedom, but there’s still enslavement,” Sovaleni continued through tears.
He added that he’s quitting “for the good of the country and moving Tonga forward”.
Sovaleni suggested that people’s representatives should see this as an opportunity to collaborate. “If the nobles can pull themselves together, I don’t know why can’t we overcome our differences, ” he said.
The resignation triggers Clause 50A of the Constitution, which outlines the process to elect a new Prime Minister.
Nominations from MPs are due within 2 weeks from today, by December 23, 2024, and must be seconded by two other members.
A meeting to select the new Prime Minister will follow on December 24.
Speaker of Parliament Lord Fatafehi Fakafanua confirmed that the Motion for No Confidence and the Prime Minister’s response will be released as public documents.
Tonga now looks to its Parliament to decide the country’s next leader.