Two nominations for prime minister of Tonga were received before the deadline closed on Tuesday afternoon.
The caretaker Deputy Prime Minister of Tonga Samiu Vaipulu, is a hopeful for the post of Prime Minister, and is said to have the backing of the nobles. Photo: SPREP
One nomination was delivered by independent representative Vili Hingano and the second was brought in by Democracy Party representative Pohiva Tu'i'onetoa.
The Office of the Interim Speaker says the nominations remain sealed and will be opened to reveal the nominees on the day of the meeting of the 26 elected Representatives.
The date and time of the meeting to elect the Prime Minister designate will be officially announced this morning.
Earlier discussions indicated the two nominations would be People's Representatives Samiu Vaipulu, an independent MP believed to also have backing from the nobles, and the leader of the Democratic Party, 'Akilisi Pohiva.