Who is Aisake Valu Eke,Tonga’s New Prime Minister?

December 26, 2024

Aisake Valu Eke has recently been appointed as the Prime Minister of Tonga, replacing Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni, who resigned on December 9. Eke will officially assume office in February 2024 and has a notable political background, having first entered parliament in 2010.

Political Career

Eke was elected to parliament in 2010 as an independent candidate for Tongatapu 5. He won with 24.1% of the vote, marking achievement as it was the only seat on Tonga’s main island not secured by the Democratic Party. He served as Minister of Finance from 2014 to 2017, demonstrating his expertise in economic matters.

Education and Early Career

Eke earned a PhD from the University of Southern Queensland in 2013. His research focused on the quality of public sector services in Tonga. Before his parliamentary career, he held the position of Secretary at the Ministry of Finance, gaining valuable experience in governance.

In 2011, Eke protested against a parliamentary decision to grant large allowances to MPs on sick leave abroad. He argued that the government should conserve public funds during economic difficulties. His stance brought into light his commitment to fiscal responsibility.

Ministerial Tenure

Eke was appointed Minister of Finance in January 2014 after a budget disagreement led to the dismissal of his predecessor. He retained this role under Prime Minister ’Akilisi Pohiva. However, he faced challenges during his tenure, including abstaining from a vote of no confidence against his own government in March 2017, which ultimately led to his resignation.

Eke’s term as Prime Minister will be brief, lasting less than a year. Tonga is scheduled to hold its next election in November 2025. The Parliament consists of 17 members elected by the public and 9 elected by hereditary chiefs, with two members unable to vote in the recent proceedings.

GKToday Notes:
Aisake Valu Eke: Eke is the newly appointed Prime Minister of Tonga. He has a PhD and previously served as Minister of Finance from 2014 to 2017.
University of Southern Queensland: Located in Australia, this university awarded Eke a PhD in 2013. His research focused on public sector service quality in Tonga.
Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands: This political party dominates Tongan politics. It was unable to secure the Tongatapu 5 seat during the 2010 elections.

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