Tonga's Prime Minister 'Aisake Eke Photo: UN / youtube
King Tupou VI is expected to officially appoint Tonga's Prime Minister 'Aisake Eke on Wednesday, 22 January 2025, a month after he was elected.
The monarch will also swear in a new cabinet line-up, which RNZ Pacific understands will not include any nobles.
A political commentator says the delay in forming a government is clearly due to the king's heavy involvement in the process.
Kalafi Moala said the monarch appears to have much more say than his predecessors in the appointment of government ministers.
In the past prime ministers were elected by parliament and they immediately appointed a cabinet.
King Tupou VI Photo: Matangi Tonga
The king's approval of the prime minister and cabinet was historically a formality, and the process was quick.
Moala said the lack of progress has caused confusion and frustration and lead to widespread misinformation on social media about what is going on.
Moala told Margot Staunton that Tonga was looking at a very different government.
Tongan media claim there will be the maximum four ministers brought in from outside the legislature, including the Crown Prince, Tupoutoʻa ʻUlukalala, who will hold both the Foreign Affairs and Defence portfolios.
Both portfolios were at the centre of a spat between the previous prime minister Hu'akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni and the king, who thought he should be the one selecting ministers for those roles.
The two ministers concerned at the time, Sovaleni and Fekita 'Utoikamanu, resigned, under pressure from the Palace Office.
The Crown Prince was offered the role but didn't accept it at that point.
Other non-politicians expected to be coming in are medical doctor 'Ana 'Akauola as Health Minister, Viliami Manu or Dr Siua Halavatau in Agriculture and Fisheries, and Sinai Tu'itahi as the Economic Development and Trade Minister.
The prime minister is likely to also take on the Finance portfolio - a role he has held previously.
Eke was elected as Prime Minister on December 24, defeating Villiami Uasike Latu by 16 votes to 8. in a secret ballot.
The shock resignation of Siaosi Sovaleni Hu'akavameilliku on December 9, ahead of a vote of no confidence in his government, prompted the election.
