One of the four MPs dropped from the candidates list for Tonga's Democratic Party says he still hopes a resolution can be reached to allow them to stay in the fold.
Sitiveni Halapua, Sione Taione, Semisi Tapueluelu and Sunia Fili were ommitted by a party committee in selection of candidates for November's election.
The party's leader Akilisi Pohiva has distanced himself from the move, saying it was the committee's decision alone.
But Sunia Fili says it was clear that Mr Pohiva influenced the decision, and believes it could be linked to the leader's own campaigning plans.
Mr Fili says he and other MPs still consider themselves members of the party.
"We are still discussing the selection by that committee, influenced by himself. We're still working on it but I understand that he's on the news. But we're still discussing it and maybe we come to a solution in the near future."
Sunia Fili
