King Tupou VI receives Tonga's new Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni, after presenting the Royal Warrant of Appointment for the PM at the Royal Palace in Nuku'alofa on Tuesday 28 December 2021. Sovaleni was elected as PM by the new parliament, following Tonga's November 18 general election. Photo: Pesi Fonua / Matangi Tonga Online
Tonga PM sworn in
Tonga's King Tupou VI has presented Tonga's newly elected Prime Minister, Siaosi Sovaleni with a Royal Warrant of Appointment in Nuku'alofa.
Mr Sovaleni was elected as Designate Prime Minister by 16 members of the 26-members parliament in a secret ballot on 15 December 2021, following Tonga's November General Election.
Matangi Tonga online reports he will hold the office of Prime Minister for four years.
He is the 18th Prime Minister of Tonga.
Challenges to November-by elections head to Samoa's Supreme Court in 2022
The two legal challenges to the November by-election results will be heard in the Samoa Supreme Court next month.
TV1Samoa reports FAST losing candidate for the Sagaga 2 constituency, Fata Ryan Schuster, is suing election night winner, HRPP candidate Maulolo Tavita Amosa, accusing him of treating and bribery during the campaign period.
Maulolo, who was sworn in last month, has denied the accusations against him and filed a counter petition citing treating and bribery against Fata.
The losing HRPP candidate for the Falealili 2 constituency, Leleimalefaga Ne'emia Fonotia, has filed the second suit of the by-elections.
His petition against election night winner and FAST candidate Fuimaono Asafo Tito also cites treating and bribery.
Both matters will be heard on 27 January, 2022.
The Northern Marianas recorded three Covid-19-related deaths over the weekend.
The Governor's Covid-19 Task Force and the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation confirming the fatalities on December 25 and 26.
Meanwhile, 40 cases have been confirmed positive for Covid-19 from surveillance and travel testing on December 24 and 25 bringing the CNMI total to 2,893 cases since March 28, 2020.
The individuals have been isolated and are actively monitored.
Reports acting Electoral Commissioner taken into police custody
Local media in Samoa is reporting that the acting Electoral Commissioner, Afualo Darryl Taeu was taken into police custody on Monday night following a raid on his residence.
Reports say police confiscated methamphetamine along with cash and guns.
Deputy Police Commissioner, Auapa'au Logoitino Filipo confirmed the raid but declined to comment on the details when contacted by Radio Polynesia for comment, noting that a press conference will be held for media queries.
A woman in her 20's was also arrested as a result of the raid. She is alleged to be an employee of the Office of the Electoral Commission.
Samoan Ministry of Commerce clamps down on traders
The Samoan Ministry of Commerce is clamping down on traders intentionally taking advantage of Covid-19 shortages to raise the cost of goods.
The Samoa Observer reports the Ministry announced the reintroduction of Price Control Orders (P.C.O.) as part of state of emergency orders under Article 106 of the Constitution.
In a statement the Ministry said the orders were needed to protect consumers from traders seeking to profit by increasing to unreasonable levels.
The latest price control order took effect 23 December, 2021.
Samoa police reminds locals about dangers of drink driving
Samoa's Ministry of Police and Prisons is lamenting at the increasing number of people caught drink driving during the Christmas long weekend.
Deputy Police Commissioner Auapa'au Logoitino Filipo told Radio Polynesia close to 30 people were arrested, and majority were drunk drivers and the rest were drunk and disorderly in public.
Auapa'au said the Ministry continues to appeal to members of the public to consume responsibly, and not to get behind the wheel when under the influence of alcohol.
He said checkpoints will continue throughout the holidays as one form of deterrent, and police are continuing to collaborate with village councils in pushing the message that drink driving is dangerous.