Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva survives no-confidence vote

Tongan Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pōhiva has resoundingly survived a vote of no-confidence in the national parliament.

Hon. Pōhiva won the vote of no confidence moved against him 14 to 10.

Members who vote against the motion were Hon. ‘Akilsi Pōhiva, Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni, Hon. Sēmisi Fakahau, Hon. Saia Piukala, Hon. Pōhiva Tuʻiʻonetoa, Hon. Poasi Tei, Hon. Penisimani Fifita, Hon. Vuna Fāʻotusia, Lord Ma’afu, Hon. Tēvita Lavemaau, Hon. Sēmisi Sika, Māteni Tapueluelu, Light of Day Veivosa Taka and ‘Akosita Lavulavu.

For the Motion were, Lord Vaea, Lord Tu’ilakepa, Lord Nuku, Lord Tu’i’āfitu, Lord Tu’iha’ateiho, Lord Tu’iha’angana, Lord Fusitu’a, Fe’ao Vakatā, Sāmiu Vaipulu and Vili Hingano.

Finance Minister ʻAisake Eke abstained from the vote.

The opposition had brought the motion against Hon. Pōhiva, saying he had to be removed over a list of 17 abuses of office as well as mismanagement of the economy.

Pōhiva rejected the claims saying he has nothing to hide and all allegations against him and his government had been dealt with appropriately.