Siaosi Sovaleni has announced his resignation in the nation's parliament ahead of the vote.
Tonga's prime minister, Siaosi Sovaleni , has resigned before a vote of no-confidence in parliament, in what some describe as a "surprise" decision.
"I look forward to supporting whoever may be the next prime minister to actually continue the works we already put in motion," he said. Tongan opposition MP Mateni Tapueluelu told the ABC Mr Sovaleni had shown "maturity" in resigning before the vote took place."But it's mandated by the constitution and unfortunately this is what we feel about the current administration.Pacific politics expert Malakai Koloamatangi said Mr Sovaleni appeared to have resigned after growing unsure of his level of support ahead of the vote.
Tongan King Tupou VI withdrew confidence in the country's foreign minister, and in Siaosi Sovaleni as defence minister, earlier this year.However the government faced renewed uncertainty when the king also withdrew his confidence last month in the minister of lands, a position held by one of the nobles sitting in parliament, Lord Tu'i'afitu.
Tonga Motion Of No Confidence Tonga Vote Of No Confidence King Tupou VI Siaosi Sovaleni Tonga Prime Minister Tonga Election
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