Tonga Elects New Prime Minister
The Facts
Tongan lawmakers elected Aisake Valu Eke as prime minister-designate in a special sitting on Tuesday, two weeks after his predecessor, Siaosi Sovaleni, stepped down.
In a secret ballot, the former finance minister received twice the votes of his only contender, Trade Minister Viliami Latu, 16 to 8. Two members of parliament were unable to cast a vote.
In accordance with the country's constitution, the Legislative Assembly then presented Eke's name to King Tupou VI, who endorsed the result and formally appointed him for the position.
The Spin
Narrative A
Aisake Eke is the right choice to guide Tonga toward a prosperous future, even as the island nation faces political and economic challenges. The next prime minister is a well-experienced and principled leader who will help his country enter a new transformative era in office.
Narrative B
It's tough to claim that Eke is the right choice when he has never been much of a leader but just someone serving in government positions. Tonga has deep-rooted problems, particularly the relationship between the monarchy and the government, and Eke just can't solve them.