Tonga Prime Minister, Hu'akavameiliku in Nuku'alofa. 25 August 2024 Photo: RNZ Pacific / Lydia Lewis
The former Tongan Prime Minister Hu'akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni will not confirm or deny whether returning to the role is on his mind.
Tonga goes to the polls in November, and several agenda items must be addressed before the Legislative Assembly (parliament) wraps up this week.
Hu'akavameiliku brushed off a question about running for Prime Minister at the end of an interview with RNZ Pacific, which focused on last week's tsunami alert off the coast of Russia.
"One step at a time. I'm just focusing on the needs of my constituencies and the election, and then we'll see what happens after," he said.
Hu'akavameiliku resigned from his leadership post in December last year, ahead of a no-confidence motion.
That motion had been brought by Dr 'Aisake Eke, the man who eventually became prime minister. Dr Eke had made allegations about Hu'akavameiliku, but he has never elaborated or explained to the Tongan public what he was referring to.
Hu'akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni, right, and Crown Prince of Tonga Tupoutoʻa ʻUlukalala in Nuku'alofa. August 2024 Photo: RNZ Pacific / Lydia Lewis
Tonga's Legislative Assembly is sitting for the final time this week before members disperse and the November election timeline begins next week, Hu'akavameiliku said.
"Right now we're trying to complete some of the agenda items, including legislations, annual reports and so forth," he said.
He said for the last couple of weeks, MPs were busy visiting their constituency.
"I think they're keen to actually table their reports, especially about what the needs of their constituency before the parliament closes."
Hu'akavameiliku looks after the Tongatapu 3 constituency.
He said common issues being raised include roads, street lights, security issues, drug, support for women's groups and support for sports development.
All of these issues, he said, are "pretty common" across all constituencies.
