Polynesia in Review-Polynesia: TONGA

ABSTRACT

Tupou and Sullivan-Lee assess the political condition in Tonga. Tonga has experienced a multitude of change in the past twelve months. One of the biggest changes to the House of Representatives was, of course, the passing of Prime Minister 'Akilisi Pohiva in Sep 2019. Semisi Sika, Pohiva's deputy, took over as acting prime minister until Oct 8, when current Prime Minister Pohiva Tu'i'onetoa was elected as leader by the Legislative Assembly. Since taking office, Tu'i'onetoa has made no significant changes to the Tongan government, apart from announcing his own party--the People's Party. This could be seen as a strategic move on his behalf, symbolizing Tu'i'onetoa's focus on mitigating the divisive nature of current Tongan politics.