The twenty-six members of the Tongan Legislative Assembly will choose the country's new Prime Minister, through secret ballot, in a special sitting in Nuku'alofa on Christmas Eve.
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, December 23.
He said parliament will sit at 10am on Christmas Eve, when the sealed nomination envelopes will be opened and the nomination procedures takes place, before the actual vote is taken.
The Speaker of Tonga's Legislative Assembly, Lord Fakafanua. Photo: RNZ Pacific
The 17 Peoples' Representatives and nine Nobles Representatives will then vote in a new Prime Minister, to replace Hu'akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni, who resigned on December 9.
The two nominees are reported to be Dr 'Aisake Eke and Dr Viliame Latu.
Dr Eke, who filed a motion of no confidence against Hu'akavameiliku late last month, is 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.
Dr Latu, a current Cabinet Minister, has been nominated by the current government. His name was registered by Vava'u 14 MP, Mo'ale 'Otunuku.
To become the new prime minister one of the nominees must win at least 14 votes.
Hu'akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni Photo: RNZ Pacific / Lydia Lewis
Interim Prime Minister Samiu Vaipulu was asked by RNZ Pacific, if he and other government ministers supported Dr Latu, to which he replied, "everything will be known on Tuesday".
There were earlier claims that all 26 MPs had agreed to back Dr Eke.
It is something Lord Fakafanua said would have been ideal but that depended on whether the 17 Peoples' representatives could unite.
He said the constitution allows for a government of national unity.
Lord Fakafanua said if no one is elected as Prime Minister on December 24, Parliament will have to sit again on Friday, to hold a second round of votes.
United front
Speaking to Tonga TV in Nuku'alofa at the weekend, Lord Fakafanua said the Nobles traditionally voted together as a block and it would be easier if the 17 Peoples' representatives stood together as a united group.
"It is common knowledge that the Nobles representatives work together as a block," Lord Fakafanua said.
"The ambition is for the 17 Peoples' Representatives to also work together with the nine Nobles," he said.
The MPs will vote by secret ballot, with his Majesty King Tupou VI expected to confirm the new Prime Minister later Tuesday.
The new prime minister will lead Tonga into the next general elections scheduled for November 2025.
