Cabinet reshuffle on the cards, Tonga PM confirms
It comes after the resignations of two of the most senior government ministers who were "unseated" by the Tongan Legislative Assembly earlier this month.
The Prime Minister of Tonga, Lord Fatafehi Fakafanua, has announced that a Cabinet reshuffle is likely to occur by the end of the week. This news follows the resignations of two senior government ministers due to bribery convictions. Former Tourism and Infrastructure Minister Semisi Sika and former Finance Minister Lata Tangimana were found guilty of electoral bribery.
Sika's seat, Tongatapu 2, and Tangimana's seat, Niua 17, are now vacant. The Prime Minister has stated that the replacements for the ministers will be appointed following due process as per the Tonga Constitution. The by-elections for the two vacant seats will be held on October 8, with nominations for candidates scheduled from September 2-3.
Written by urgent.news from RNZ Pacific's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
