There are reports from Tonga that the Democratic Party came close to ripping itself apart, but that the breach has been healed.
The Democratic Party, also known as the PTOA, was founded by former prime minister, the late 'Akilisi Pohiva who ruled Tonga for five years from 2014.
According to the Kaniva Tonga website, moves had been made to remove MP and former cabinet minister, Mateni Tapueluelu, from the party after he'd failed to attend board meetings and criticised his colleagues.
Minister of Police Hon Mateni Tapueluelu presenting Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon Gerry Brownlee with a gift on May 10th 2017. Photo: NZ High Commission, Nuku'alofa Tonga
Mr Tapueluelu also accused some of the party's MPs, including Mr Pohiva's son Siaosi, of advising Mr Pohiva against retiring in April last year.
Mr Tapueluelu said such a retirement would have allowed for an orderly transition but instead Mr Pohiva died in office in September and PTOA was tossed out of government in the ensuing vote for a new prime minister.
Kaniva Tonga reported the current PTOA leader, Semisi Sika, had now openly talked of the rift but said they had forgiven each other and committed to continue to work together.