PM survives challenge

Nuku’alofa: A vote of no confidence to oust Tonga’s Prime Minister Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa was defeated in Parliament on Tuesday with a vote of 139.

The motion was submitted by nine members of the Democratic Party founded by the late Prime Minister ’Akilisi Pohiva, plus a member of the current government who crossed the floor to join the opposition.

The motion detailed several allegations at Tu’i’onetoa, mostly regarding government spending.

Tu’i’onetoa continues as prime minister until the general election in November.