Dec 24 (V7N) - Tonga's parliament has elected veteran politician 'Aisake Valu Eke as its new prime minister, following the sudden resignation of former leader Siaosi Sovaleni amid tensions with the nation's monarchy.

Eke, a seasoned parliamentarian who served as finance minister from 2014 to 2017, secured 16 votes in Tuesday’s secret ballot against rival Viliami Latu, who received eight votes. He will be officially sworn in as prime minister in February 2025 and is set to lead the country into its next general elections in November 2025.

The leadership change comes after Sovaleni resigned two weeks ago under pressure, just hours before a no-confidence vote led by Eke. His departure highlighted an ongoing power struggle with Tonga's influential monarch, King Tupou VI, who holds the authority to veto legislation and appoint prime ministers on parliamentary advice.

The Tongan monarchy, whose lineage spans more than 1,000 years, remains a dominant institution despite constitutional reforms in 2006 that curtailed its powers. These reforms followed pro-democracy protests that escalated into riots, destroying parts of the capital, Nuku'alofa.

Tonga, with a population of about 106,000 spread across numerous islands, faces significant economic challenges. The country is heavily indebted to China, owing approximately $130 million—nearly one-third of its GDP—to China’s Export-Import Bank. The loans were primarily used for reconstruction after the 2006 riots, and repayment obligations have increased sharply this year, leaving Tonga vulnerable to economic pressure from Beijing.

Eke’s election marks a critical juncture for Tonga as it navigates the delicate balance between royal influence, democratic governance, and economic sustainability.

END/WD/RH