Former Speaker Lord Fakafanua Elected as Tonga’s Prime Minister-Designate

Former Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Lord Fakafanua, has been elected as Tonga’s new Prime Minister-Designate following a parliamentary vote in which he secured 16 votes to 10 against the incumbent Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. ʻAisake Eke.

Addressing Parliament after the vote, Lord Fakafanua said his immediate priorities would be to maintain national stability and ensure continuity in government operations. He expressed his gratitude to Members of Parliament who supported his candidacy and placed their trust in his leadership.

Lord Fakafanua called on all Members of Parliament to set aside political differences and work together in the national interest, emphasising unity as essential to achieving peace, prosperity, and long-term stability for the Kingdom of Tonga.

He acknowledged the significant responsibility associated with the role of Prime Minister-Designate and noted that the challenges ahead would require a collective and unified approach within Parliament and across the nation.

Lord Fakafanua entered Parliament in 2009 as the youngest Member of Parliament at the time and went on to make history in 2012 as the youngest Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.

During the same Special Sitting, presided over by Interim Speaker Lord Tangi, Parliament elected Tongatapu No. 2 Noble Representative Lord Vaea as Speaker of Parliament, and Haʻapai No. 2 Noble Representative Lord Tuʻihaʻangana as Deputy Speaker. Lord Vaea thanked Members for their confidence and support following his election.

Lord Fakafanua succeeds Dr. ʻAisake Eke, who has served as Prime Minister for the past 10 months.