10 Dec 2014

Tonga Democrats claims some noble backing - Moala

4:57 pm on 10 December 2014

A prominent Tongan publisher Kalafi Moala, who is closely involved with the Democratic Party, says it is confident of winning the support of several of the nine nobles in the new parliament.

Tonga Prime Minister 'Akilisi Pohiva.

Tonga Prime Minister 'Akilisi Pohiva. Photo: RNZ

The election of a prime minister is now likely on December the 29th with both the Democrats and the nobles expected to put up a candidate.

Mr Moala says although the Democrats only have 10 MPs in the 26-seat Legislature, they are garnering support from some independents and a number of the nobles.

"There is already a move from three of the nobles to cross over and support [Akilisi] Pohiva and his group. At the same time, of the seven independents there is already a split among them - four who want to cross over and support Pohiva and his group and there is three that are hanging out there. But that is the issue right now."