Tonga MPs gather Monday to choose a prime minister

Just over four weeks after the election of the new Tonga parliament, MPs will gather on Monday to choose a new prime minister.

The poll, a year earlier than scheduled, came after King Tupou VI dismissed the government of prime minister, 'Akilisi Pohiva, amid claims they were trying to extend their reach into areas under the control of the monarchy and the nobles.

Mr Pohiva is again a candidate and he has been joined by his former deputy Siaosi Sovaleni.

Given Mr Pohiva's Democratic Party has a majority of seats in the legislature the prime ministerial vote would seem clear cut but commentator and publisher, Kalafi Moala, told Don Wiseman that is never the case in Tonga.