Prime Minister Fakafanua: 'If We Are To Unite Tonga We Will Have To Start In Parliament'

Saturday, 20 December 2025, 5:10 pm
Article: RNZ

RNZ Pacific

Tonga's new Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua says he hopes to have his Cabinet lineup named in the next few days.

Lord Fakafanua has taken over the reigns in Nuku'alofa following his official appointment by King Tupou VI at the Royal Palace Thursday afternoon.

Lord Fakafanua is Tonga's 20th prime minister and was elected by MPs on Monday.

He secured 16 votes to 10, ahead of former Prime Minister Dr 'Aisake Eke.

Lord Fakafanua said his focus is on getting the best out of the 25 MPs to serve in Cabinet with him.

He said he wants a Cabinet of national unity.

"If we are to unite Tonga we will have to start in parliament," he said.

"It's a means for stability so we can focus on nation building."

Tongans went to the polls on 20 November, with voter participation sitting at just over 49 percent - only 31,988 of registered voters turned out to cast their ballots.

The voter turnout rate was even lower than the previous 2021 election turnout of 62 percent.

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