The Prime Minister of Tonga, Prince 'Ulukalala Lavaka Ata has resigned from the top government post.
A commoner, Dr Fred Sevele, a long time pro-democracy advocate, has been named acting prime minister.
The Minister of Lands, Survey and Natural Resources, Fielakepa, made the official announcement on domestic radio and television this afternoon.
Fielakepa told the nation that the Crown Prince Tupouto'a accepted the prime minister's resignation letter on Saturday.
The resignation includes all of Prince 'Ulukalala's ministerial portfolios of communications, civil aviation, marine and ports, and disaster relief activities.
Mateni Tapueluelu is our correspondent in Nuku'alofa.
"Dr Fred Sevele is now the acting prime minister and it's expected he will be announced as the prime minister. He is a current member of the pro-democracy movement and a best friend of the Crown Prince. It will be interesting to see how it will go."
.
