Tonga Elects New Prime Minister
Above: Aisake Valu Eke (C) poses for pictures with lawmakers Viliami Latu (L) and Vavau Taka in Nuku'alofa on Dec. 24, 2024. Image copyright: Tupou Vaipulu/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
Aisake Eke is the right choice to guide Tonga toward a prosperous future, even as the island nation faces political and economic challenges. The next prime minister is a well-experienced and principled leader who will help his country enter a new transformative era in office.
Narrative B
It's tough to claim that Eke is the right choice when he has never been much of a leader but just someone serving in government positions. Tonga has deep-rooted problems, particularly the relationship between the monarchy and the government, and Eke just can't solve them.