Cabinet reshuffle on the cards, Tonga PM confirms

Tonga's Prime Minister, Lord Fatafehi Fakafanua, has confirmed that a cabinet reshuffle is likely to occur by the end of this week. The announcement comes after two senior government ministers were removed from their positions by the Tongan Legislative Assembly on August 3.

The ministers in question, former Tourism and Infrastructure Minister Semisi Sika and former Finance Minister Lata Tangimana, were found guilty of bribery by the Nuku'alofa Magistrates' Court. These convictions stemmed from irregularities during the 2025 general election. Tangimana's appeal was dismissed last month, and Sika's election was voided due to breaches of electoral expense rules, including exceeding the legal spending limit and failing to properly declare campaign expenditures.

Prime Minister Fakafanua, who has been acting as finance minister, stated that the government is adhering to due process under Tonga's Constitution to appoint replacements. This process includes advising King Tupou VI. The Prime Minister has the discretion to choose new ministers from within or outside the current parliament.

In parallel, by-elections to fill the two vacant seats in the Legislative Assembly are scheduled for October 8. Candidate nominations will be accepted on September 2 and 3, marking the next step in the political process following the ministers' disqualification.

“

Yes, we'll make an announcement once it's all ready