The present government of Tonga is to remain in a caretaker role until an early election can be held according to Radio New Zealand.
King Tupou VI dissolved the country’s parliament on Thursday and called for elections a year early in an effective vote of no confidence in Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva.
The government said the country would continue to function as normal and it would continue in an interim role until the elections, set down for November 16.
Pohiva’s cabinet met at the weekend, before a brief statement was read on public radio.
It provided no reaction to the decision, except to say that the administration of government services would continue.
Reports from Tonga said Pohiva had described the move to dissolve the parliament as part of a failed coup.
Pohiva told New Zealand’s Newshub the move was an organized attempt to push him out.
He said he was never informed of the decision and that the way it occurred could be illegal.
Newshub reported Pohiva learned of the king’s decision to dissolve the Parliament on social media.
Pohiva had originally planned to retire after one term, but now said he will stand again in the November election.
