Iliesa Tora
RNZ Pacific senior sports journalist
Three new
ministers took their oath today as members of Tonga’s
Cabinet.
Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua announced last
week that changes would be made after two Cabinet
Ministers were found guilty of bribery.
Tongatapu One
MP Tevita Puloka is the new Minister of Infrastructure. He
replaces former Tongatapu Two MP Semisi Sika, who lost his
seat after the courts found him guilty of misreporting
campaign funds in relation to the 2025 general
election.
Senior Ministry of Finance official Vika
Sivoki Lavemaau is the new Minister of Finance, replacing
Niua 17 MP Lata Tangimana, who was found guilty of bribery
during the 2025 election campaign.
There has also been
a reshuffle of ministerial portfolios, with former Prime
Minister Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni moved to the Public
Enterprises portfolio and also taking over
Tourism.
The Tourism portfolio was previously held by
Sika.
Former Ministry of Health chief executive Dr
Siale ‘Akau’ola has been appointed as the new Minister of
Health, replacing Hu’akavameiliku.
Both Lavemaau and
Dr ‘Akau’ola have been appointed from outside Parliament, as
allowed under Tonga’s Constitution.
The Tonga
Constitution allows for the Prime Minister to appoint up to
four Cabinet Ministers from outside of Parliament, but
restricts the Cabinet size to 12 ministers, including the
Prime Minister.
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Lavemaau and Dr Akauola join Crown
Prince Tupouto’a as the three unelected members of
Cabinet.
Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua said the trio
will be sworn into the House on Tuesday.
The three new
Ministers attended special church services on Sunday, where
the royal warrants were read to the families.
The
royal warrants were issued by His Majesty King Tupou
VI.
Meanwhile, by-elections for the two vacant seats
for Tongatapu 2 and Niua 17 will be held on 8
October.
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