3 Sep 2014

Demo leader in Tonga retains hope despite further election blow

2:05 pm on 3 September 2014

The leader of the Democratic Party in Tonga says he's disappointed he has lost two candidates for the upcoming elections but remains optimistic about his party's chances.

The leader of the Democratic Party in Tonga says he's disappointed he has lost two candidates for the upcoming elections but remains optimistic about his party's chances.

Akilisi Pohiva had named 'Isileli Pulu and Falisi Tupou as standing under the party umbrella but the two have now said they will stand as independents.

Mr Pohiva says Mr Pulu told him he wasn't happy with four current MPs not being included in the party list and so he withdrew.

"Unfortunately he didn't want to be part of the candidates for the party for the next election and of course that is his own decision. I can't do much about it."

There are now six members of the party who will be standing as independents in the November elections.

Tonga Prime Minister 'Akilisi Pohiva.

Tonga Prime Minister 'Akilisi Pohiva. Photo: RNZ