Transcript
A former government minister and Chief Secretary, Lady 'Eseta Fusitu'a, says the dissolution was necessary because the government had not followed due process during its time in power.
But Lady Fusitu'a wouldn't say whether the move and subsequent early election would negatively impact Mr Pohiva's chances.
However she says the election has given Tongans a chance to reflect on the government and make their own decisions.
"Tonga is happy with the processes and they can understand the processes. It was the abuse of the processes which led to the dissolution. That being the case, whatever the outcome of the election, I think it was good that the people did have a chance to vote again, given the ongoing abuses of the processes."
A former government advisor and democracy advocate, Lopeti Senituli, says Tonga has made big strides towards greater democracy.
But he says the power that the King wielded in dissolving parliament, needs to be reassessed.
"We need to revisit that prerogative to ensure that when His Majesty invokes that prerogative that it is done in consultation with the Prime Minister as opposed to what happened on the 25th of August, which was all done in secret and the Prime Minister was totally caught off guard as well as the acting Attorney-General and other key players."
Before the dissolution, the Pohiva government was hampered by a number of controversies including a failed vote of no-confidence, clashes with the media and the belated withdrawal of hosting the 2019 Pacific Games.
But Lopeti Senituli says the 76-year-old's support has grown through his most recent troubles.
"There is no doubt about the fact that I think the dissolution of parliament will impact positively on Pohiva because there is a groundswell of sympathy for his government and his candidates. That's a personal opinion."
The publisher and former government media advisor, Kalafi Moala, says that despite his various critics, he may still have enough support to return to parliament.
Mr Moala says although there are 10 candidates looking to beat him, the fact that the constituency has the most candidates of any in the election, will aid Mr Pohiva.
"When you look at it technically, the vote is going to be split among 10 people. It is very, very possible, probable in fact, that Pohiva can win this district with a minority. I think if he wins 30 percent of the vote, he will take this district.
Although the dissolution of parliament may have actually solidified Mr Pohiva's support, Mr Moala feels there's less certainty that he can garner enough support to be Prime Minister again.
Mr Moala believes he'll lose two or three party candidates.
One man touted as a possible candidate for the prime ministership is Mr Pohiva's deputy Siaosi Sovaleni, who he sacked days after the dissolution.
Mr Sovaleni, for his part, says he is maintaining an open mind in terms of who he would work with if he got in, as long as it's in the interests of Tonga.
