Tonga

The twenty-six members of the Tongan Legislative Assembly will choose the country's new Prime Minister, through secret ballot, in a special sitting in Nuku'alofa on Christmas Eve.

Lulutai Airlines told Matangi Tonga that the aircraft carrying 72 passengers will help to ease the Christmas load.

Hu'akavameliku Sovaleni Sovaleni resigned on 9 December ahead of a vote of no confidence amid amid reports that the Palace Office had noble MPs in his Cabinet to withdraw their support. Audio

Tonga Police said that the conference focused on encouraging solidarity and unity among women in policing.

Opinion - Hu'akavameiliku surprised everyone by announcing his resignation, writes Lopeti Senituli.

Lord Fohe, Lord Vaea, and Lord Tu'i'afitu have resigned from their ministerial portfolios.

Parliament will issue letters to its 26 MPs on Tuesday calling for their nominations for leader.

Prime Minister Hu'akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni, who quit from the top job on Monday ahead of a vote of no confidence, believes "the government is still in the right hands".

Tongan Prime Minister Hu'akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni has resigned, the Tongan parliament office has confirmed.

The challenge has been brought by MP 'Aisake Eke, who claims to have the numbers to topple government. Audio