King Tupou VI (L) officially appoints 'Aisake Eke as Tonga's prime minister Photo: Prime Minister's Office
Tonga's Prime Minister 'Aisake Eke has been officially appointed by King Tupou VI.
'Aisake Eke won the top job following a secret ballot vote on 24 December.
His selection followed the shock resignation of Siaosi Sovaleni Hu'akavameilliku on 9 December, ahead of a vote of no confidence in his government.
There has been a lot of interest for Tongans living in the kingdom and those living overseas.
A political commentator said the delay in forming a government is clearly due to the king's heavy involvement in the process.
Kalafi Moala said the monarch appears to have much more say than his predecessors in the appointment of government ministers.
However the announcement of the new cabinet has been further delayed.
The King was expected to officially appoint cabinet members on 22 January but that has been deferred until 30 January.
