18 Dec 2017

Pohiva retains Tonga prime ministership

8:09 pm on 18 December 2017

'Akilisi Pohiva, who was removed from Tonga's prime ministerial post by King Tupou VI in August, has been re-elected.

Mr Pohiva got 14 votes in the 26 member House, with the only other contender, former deputy prime minister Siaosi Sovaleni getting 12.

'Akilisi Pohiva

'Akilisi Pohiva Photo: RNZ / Koro Vaka'uta

The result was announced by the interim speaker Lord Tangi after he presented the results of today's secret ballot to the King.

Mr Pohiva's Democratic party had a resounding victory in the November election, winning 14 of the 17 People's Representatives seats.

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