Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Two main camps emerge in talks over formation of new Tonga government

Posted at 23:20 on 01 December, 2010 UTC

Two main camps have emerged in discussions over the formation of a new government in Tonga.

The Friendly Islands Democratic Party which, with 12 of the 26 seats, won the bulk of the constituencies in last week’s historic election in Tonga, is not yet assured of support of the other five popularly elected MPs.

The Democratic Party, which was expected to nominate leader Akilisi Pohiva as Prime Minister, had also been considering involving a couple of the nobles in a government.

However reports from Tonga indicate the nine nobles are considering their own grouping and could join forces with the five independents.

Discussions continue today.