Diverse Tonga Cabinet aims to end division
14th October, 2019
The Cabinet line up named by Tonga’s new Prime Minister, Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa, reflects his vow to unite the politically divided Kingdom.
There are two women, three nobles, three independents and five former members of the late ‘Akilisi Pohiva’s party.
Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa was voted in as prime minister on Friday, after he and three other members of the Democratic Party had crossed the floor.
In his campaign speech to the Legislature he said his aim was to end political divisions in Tonga.
Of the two women named, one is from outside of the Legislature.
She is Dr ‘Amelia Tu’ipulotu, who heads nurse training at Vaiola Hospital and becomes the new Minister of Health.
The three nobles are Lords Nuku, Ma’afu and Tu’ilakepa.
There are also five former members of the Democratic Party but no current members.
While Mr Tu’i’onetoa has announced the formation of his Peoples’ Party, the political future of the Democratic Party, the party that ‘Akilisi Pohiva led to power in two elections, is uncertain.