The Tonga Legislative Assembly has elected Lord Vaea as the new Speaker of Parliament, marking a significant moment in the kingdom’s political landscape.
The decision came this afternoon after members of Parliament gathered following the confirmation of Lord Fakafanua as Tonga’s new Prime Minister.
In an open ballot by the assembly, nobles’ representative Lord Vaea secured the speakership, alongside Lord Tu‘iha‘angana, who was elected Deputy Speaker. Both will serve in their roles for the next four-year term, presiding over parliamentary business and ensuring the orderly conduct of debates.
Lord Vaea’s appointment places another noble in a senior parliamentary position, highlighting the influential role of hereditary titles in Tonga’s governance.
The Legislative Assembly comprises 26 members, with 17 elected by the people and nine nobles’ representatives chosen by peers within Tonga’s hereditary system.
Lord Fakafanua, also a nobles’ representative, assumes the premiership after securing a majority in the parliamentary vote. His elevation follows the 20 November general election and days of negotiations among members of Parliament.
Speaking after his election, Lord Vaea said he was honoured by his colleagues’ trust and pledged to uphold the assembly’s procedures impartially. He has previously highlighted the importance of bridging traditional leadership with democratic processes.
The prominence of nobles in both executive and presiding roles has drawn commentary from the public, with some seeing continuity of tradition and others calling for balanced representation from people’s representatives as the nation journeys through its democratic reform pathway.
The new Parliament will sit in due course to begin its legislative program for the next four years.
