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{{use dmy dates|date=June 2020}}
{{short description|Tongan politician}}
{{Infobox officeholder
{{Infobox officeholder
| name = Sēmisi Kioa Lafu Sika
| name = Sēmisi Sika
| image = Semisi Sika 2018.jpg
| image = Semisi Sika May 2019.jpg
| caption = Sika in 2018
| caption = Sika in May 2019
| office = [[Prime Minister of Tonga]]
| office = Acting [[Prime Minister of Tonga]]
| status =
| monarch = [[Tupou VI]]
| monarch = [[Tupou VI]]
⚫
| term_start = 12 September 2019
| predecessor = [[ʻAkilisi Pōhiva]]
| successor = [[Pohiva Tuʻiʻonetoa|Pōhiva Tuʻiʻonetoa]]
⚫
| term_start = 12 September 2019
| term_end = 8 October 2019
|office2 = [[Deputy Prime Minister of Tonga]]
|term_start2 = 16 January 2017
|term_end2 = 10 October 2019
|primeminister2 = [[ʻAkilisi Pōhiva]]
|predecessor2 = [[Maʻafu Tukuiʻaulahi|Lord Maʻafu]]
|successor2 = [[Sione Vuna Fa'otusia]]
|office3 = Minister of Infrastructure and Tourism
|deputy3 =
|term_start3 = 18 April 2016
|term_end3 = 10 October 2019
|primeminister3 = ʻAkilisi Pōhiva
|predecessor3 = [[‘Etuate Lavulavu]] <small>(Infrastructure)</small> <br /> [[Pohiva Tuʻiʻonetoa]] <small>(Tourism)</small>
|successor3 = [['Akosita Lavulavu]]
|constituency_MP5 = [[Tongatapu 2]]
|parliament5 = Tongan
|term_start5 = 26 November 2010
|term_end5 = 18 November 2021
|predecessor5 = ''none'' <small>(constituency established)</small>
|successor5 = [[ʻUhilamoelangi Fasi]]
| party = [[Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands]]
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1968|1|31|df=y}}
| alma_mater = [[Brigham Young University–Hawaii]]
| nationality = {{Flagicon|Tonga}} Tongan
}}
}}


'''Sēmisi Kioa Lafu Sika''' (born 31 January 1968) is a [[Tonga]]n politician and Member of the [[Legislative Assembly of Tonga|Tongan Parliament]] who is the current [[Prime Minister of Tonga]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/pacific/398621/tongan-pm-akilisi-pohiva-dies-aged-78 |title=Tongan PM 'Akilisi Pohiva dies, aged 78 |publisher=RNZ |date=12 September 2019 |accessdate=12 September 2019}}</ref> He is a member of the [[Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands]].
'''Semisi Kioa Lafu Sika''' (born 31 January 1968) is a [[Tonga]]n politician, businessman, and Member of the [[Legislative Assembly of Tonga|Tongan Parliament]] from 2010 to 2021. He served as acting [[Prime Minister of Tonga|prime minister]] in September 2019, following the death of [[ʻAkilisi Pōhiva]]. He is currently leader of the [[Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands]].


==Career and activism==
Sika is a businessman who runs a takeaway shop and catering firm.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pacific.scoop.co.nz/2010/11/tongan-election-independent-power-brokers-may-hold-key-to-choice-of-pm/ |title=Tongan elections: Independent power brokers may hold key to choice of PM |author=Pesi Fonua |publisher=Pacific Scoop |date=2010-11-26 |accessdate=2010-12-02}}</ref> He is a longstanding supporter of the democratic movement in Tonga.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://forums.planet-tonga.com/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=29046 |title=Planet Tonga Exclusive Interview with Semisi Sika |publisher=Planet Tonga |date=2006-11-22 |accessdate=2010-12-02}}</ref> In 2007 he was one of three people, including [[Human Rights and Democracy Movement]] leader [[ʻAkilisi Pōhiva]], prosecuted over his leadership of a protest march in June 2006.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://en.tahitipresse.pf/2007/02/tonga-protest-leaders-plead-not-guilty/ |title=Tonga protest leaders plead not guilty |publisher=Tahiti Presse |date=2007-02-12 |accessdate=2010-12-02}}</ref>
Sika is from [[Haveluloto]], and was educated at [[Brigham Young University–Hawaii]], gaining a Bachelor of Science.<ref name="parlbio">{{cite web |url=https://www.parliament.gov.to/members-of-parliament/peoples/139-semisi-sika |title=Semisi Sika |publisher=Parliament of Tonga |date= |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200327121806/https://www.parliament.gov.to/members-of-parliament/peoples/139-semisi-sika |archivedate=27 March 2020 |accessdate=20 June 2020}}</ref> Before entering politics he worked as a teacher and travel agent,<ref name="parlbio"/> and ran a takeaway shop and catering firm.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pacific.scoop.co.nz/2010/11/tongan-election-independent-power-brokers-may-hold-key-to-choice-of-pm/ |title=Tongan elections: Independent power brokers may hold key to choice of PM |author=Pesi Fonua |publisher=Pacific Scoop |date=2010-11-26 |accessdate=2010-12-02}}</ref> He is a longstanding supporter of the democratic movement in Tonga.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://forums.planet-tonga.com/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=29046 |title=Planet Tonga Exclusive Interview with Semisi Sika |publisher=Planet Tonga |date=2006-11-22 |accessdate=2010-12-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715091824/http://forums.planet-tonga.com/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=29046 |archive-date=2011-07-15 |url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2007 he was one of three people, including [[Human Rights and Democracy Movement]] leader [[ʻAkilisi Pōhiva]], who were prosecuted for their leadership of a protest march in June 2006.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://en.tahitipresse.pf/2007/02/tonga-protest-leaders-plead-not-guilty/ |title=Tonga protest leaders plead not guilty |publisher=Tahiti Presse |date=2007-02-12 |accessdate=2010-12-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723093558/http://en.tahitipresse.pf/2007/02/tonga-protest-leaders-plead-not-guilty/ |archive-date=2011-07-23 |url-status=dead}}</ref> He was found not guilty and discharged.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pireport.org/articles/2007/05/08/noted-tonga-lawmaker-fined-196-urging-protest |title=NOTED TONGA LAWMAKER FINED $196 FOR URGING PROTEST |publisher=Pacific Islands Report |date=8 May 2007 |accessdate=22 June 2020}}</ref>


==Political career==
Sika was elected to Parliament in the seat of [[Tongatapu 2]] in the [[2010 Tongan general election|2010 elections]]. He was re-elected in 2014 and 2017.
A member of the [[Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands]], Sika was elected to Parliament in the seat of [[Tongatapu 2]] in the [[2010 Tongan general election|2010 elections]]. He was re-elected in the [[2014 Tongan general election|2014]] and became Chairman of the Committee of the Whole House. In April 2016 he was appointed Minister of Tourism and Infrastructure.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.looptonga.com/content/semisi-sika-appointed-tonga%E2%80%99s-minister-infrastructure-and-tourism |title=Semisi Sika appointed Tonga's Minister of Infrastructure and Tourism |publisher=Loop Tonga |date=20 April 2016 |accessdate=20 June 2020}}</ref>


Following the [[2017 Tongan general election|2017]] election Sika was appointed Deputy Prime Minister.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://asiapacificreport.nz/2018/01/04/prime-minister-pohiva-submits-his-cabinet-lineup-to-the-tongan-king/ |title=Prime Minister Pōhiva submits his cabinet lineup to the Tongan king |publisher=Asia-Pacific Report |date=4 January 2018 |accessdate=20 June 2020}}</ref> in July 2019 there were calls for his resignation after he intervened to silence a speech against bullying and sexism at the Miss Pacific pageant in Tonga.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/beauty/114046082/auckland-pageant-queen-publicly-hits-out-at-bullies |title=Auckland pageant queen publicly hits out at bullies |publisher=Stuff |date=6 July 2019 |accessdate=20 June 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=12247476 |title=Tongan beauty queen's bullying claim prompts calls for deputy PM's resignation |author=Kalafi Moala |publisher=New Zealand Herald |date=8 July 2019 |accessdate=20 June 2020}}</ref>
As of 12 September 2019 he serves as the acting Prime Minister of Tonga following the death of [[ʻAkilisi Pōhiva]].

He became acting premier following the death of Prime Minister ʻAkilisi Pōhiva on 12 September 2019.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/pacific/398621/tongan-pm-akilisi-pohiva-dies-aged-78 |title=Tongan PM 'Akilisi Pohiva dies, aged 78 |publisher=RNZ |date=12 September 2019 |accessdate=12 September 2019}}</ref> He contested the Premiership, but was defeated by [[Pohiva Tuʻiʻonetoa|Pōhiva Tuʻiʻonetoa]] by eight votes to fifteen.<ref name="auto">{{Cite news |url=https://theworldnews.net/to-news/parliament-elects-dr-pohiva-tu-i-onetoa-as-new-pm |title=Parliament elects Dr Pōhiva Tu‘i‘onetoa as new PM |date=26 September 2019 |website=The World News |access-date=2019-10-27}}</ref> Sika continues to lead the DPFI.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/414934/reports-of-a-rift-in-tonga-s-democratic-party |title=Reports of a rift in Tonga's Democratic Party |publisher=RNZ |date=23 April 2020 |accessdate=20 June 2020}}</ref>

In December 2020 he submitted a motion of no-confidence in Prime Minister Tuʻiʻonetoa.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/432824/tonga-deputy-pm-resigns-amidst-no-confidence-motion |title=Tonga Deputy PM resigns amidst no confidence motion |publisher=RNZ |date=14 December 2020 |accessdate=14 December 2020}}</ref>

He contested the [[2021 Tongan general election]], but was unsuccessful.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://matangitonga.to/2021/11/19/tonga-elects-all-male-parliament-nine-new-peoples-reps |title=Tonga elects all-male parliament with nine new People's Reps |publisher=Matangi Tonga |date=18 November 2021 |access-date=18 November 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211118122442/https://matangitonga.to/2021/11/19/tonga-elects-all-male-parliament-nine-new-peoples-reps |archive-date=18 November 2021}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


{{TongaPMs}}
{{s-start}}
{{s-par|to}}
|-
{{s-non|reason=Constituency Established}}
{{s-ttl|title=Member of Parliament<br>for [[Tongatapu 2]]|years=2010–2021}}
{{s-aft|after=[[ʻUhilamoelangi Fasi]]}}
|-
{{s-off}}
{{s-bef|before=[[‘Etuate Lavulavu]] <small>(Infrastructure)</small> <br /> [[Pōhiva Tuʻiʻonetoa]] <small>(Tourism)</small>}}
{{s-ttl|title=Minister of Infrastructure and Tourism|years=2016–2019}}
{{s-aft|after=[['Akosita Lavulavu]]}}
|-
{{s-bef|before=[[Maʻafu Tukuiʻaulahi|Lord Maʻafu]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Deputy Prime Minister of Tonga]]|years=2017–2019}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Sione Vuna Fa'otusia]]}}
|-
{{s-bef|before=[[ʻAkilisi Pōhiva]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Prime Minister of Tonga]]<br/>({{small|Acting}})|years=2019}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Pōhiva Tuʻiʻonetoa]]}}
|-
{{s-ppo}}
{{s-bef|before=‘Akilisi Pōhiva}}
{{s-ttl|title=Leader of the [[Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands]]|years=2019–present|alongside= [[Siaosi Pōhiva]]}}
{{s-inc}}
{{s-end}}

{{Prime Ministers of Tonga}}
{{Foreign Ministers of Tonga}}

{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Sika, Semisi Kioa Lafu}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Sika, Semisi Kioa Lafu}}
[[Category:1968 births]]
[[Category:1968 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Tongan politicians]]
[[Category:Prime ministers of Tonga]]
[[Category:Deputy prime ministers of Tonga]]
[[Category:Members of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga]]
[[Category:Members of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga]]
[[Category:Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands politicians]]
[[Category:Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands politicians]]
[[Category:Tongan businesspeople]]
[[Category:Tongan businesspeople]]
[[Category:People from Tongatapu]]
[[Category:People from Tongatapu]]
[[Category:Brigham Young University–Hawaii alumni]]


{{Tonga-politician-stub}}
{{Tonga-politician-stub}}

Latest revision as of 21:37, 15 May 2024

Sēmisi Sika
Sika in May 2019
Acting Prime Minister of Tonga
In office
12 September 2019 – 8 October 2019
MonarchTupou VI
Preceded byʻAkilisi Pōhiva
Succeeded byPōhiva Tuʻiʻonetoa
Deputy Prime Minister of Tonga
In office
16 January 2017 – 10 October 2019
Prime MinisterʻAkilisi Pōhiva
Preceded byLord Maʻafu
Succeeded bySione Vuna Fa'otusia
Minister of Infrastructure and Tourism
In office
18 April 2016 – 10 October 2019
Prime MinisterʻAkilisi Pōhiva
Preceded by‘Etuate Lavulavu (Infrastructure)
Pohiva Tuʻiʻonetoa (Tourism)
Succeeded by'Akosita Lavulavu
Member of the Tongan Parliament
for Tongatapu 2
In office
26 November 2010 – 18 November 2021
Preceded bynone (constituency established)
Succeeded byʻUhilamoelangi Fasi
Personal details
Born (1968-01-31) 31 January 1968 (age 56)
NationalityTonga Tongan
Political partyDemocratic Party of the Friendly Islands
Alma materBrigham Young University–Hawaii

Semisi Kioa Lafu Sika (born 31 January 1968) is a Tongan politician, businessman, and Member of the Tongan Parliament from 2010 to 2021. He served as acting prime minister in September 2019, following the death of ʻAkilisi Pōhiva. He is currently leader of the Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands.

Career and activism[edit]

Sika is from Haveluloto, and was educated at Brigham Young University–Hawaii, gaining a Bachelor of Science.[1] Before entering politics he worked as a teacher and travel agent,[1] and ran a takeaway shop and catering firm.[2] He is a longstanding supporter of the democratic movement in Tonga.[3] In 2007 he was one of three people, including Human Rights and Democracy Movement leader ʻAkilisi Pōhiva, who were prosecuted for their leadership of a protest march in June 2006.[4] He was found not guilty and discharged.[5]

Political career[edit]

A member of the Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands, Sika was elected to Parliament in the seat of Tongatapu 2 in the 2010 elections. He was re-elected in the 2014 and became Chairman of the Committee of the Whole House. In April 2016 he was appointed Minister of Tourism and Infrastructure.[6]

Following the 2017 election Sika was appointed Deputy Prime Minister.[7] in July 2019 there were calls for his resignation after he intervened to silence a speech against bullying and sexism at the Miss Pacific pageant in Tonga.[8][9]

He became acting premier following the death of Prime Minister ʻAkilisi Pōhiva on 12 September 2019.[10] He contested the Premiership, but was defeated by Pōhiva Tuʻiʻonetoa by eight votes to fifteen.[11] Sika continues to lead the DPFI.[12]

In December 2020 he submitted a motion of no-confidence in Prime Minister Tuʻiʻonetoa.[13]

He contested the 2021 Tongan general election, but was unsuccessful.[14]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b "Semisi Sika". Parliament of Tonga. Archived from the original on 27 March 2020. Retrieved 20 June 2020.
  2. ^ Pesi Fonua (26 November 2010). "Tongan elections: Independent power brokers may hold key to choice of PM". Pacific Scoop. Retrieved 2 December 2010.
  3. ^ "Planet Tonga Exclusive Interview with Semisi Sika". Planet Tonga. 22 November 2006. Archived from the original on 15 July 2011. Retrieved 2 December 2010.
  4. ^ "Tonga protest leaders plead not guilty". Tahiti Presse. 12 February 2007. Archived from the original on 23 July 2011. Retrieved 2 December 2010.
  5. ^ "NOTED TONGA LAWMAKER FINED $196 FOR URGING PROTEST". Pacific Islands Report. 8 May 2007. Retrieved 22 June 2020.
  6. ^ "Semisi Sika appointed Tonga's Minister of Infrastructure and Tourism". Loop Tonga. 20 April 2016. Retrieved 20 June 2020.
  7. ^ "Prime Minister Pōhiva submits his cabinet lineup to the Tongan king". Asia-Pacific Report. 4 January 2018. Retrieved 20 June 2020.
  8. ^ "Auckland pageant queen publicly hits out at bullies". Stuff. 6 July 2019. Retrieved 20 June 2020.
  9. ^ Kalafi Moala (8 July 2019). "Tongan beauty queen's bullying claim prompts calls for deputy PM's resignation". New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 20 June 2020.
  10. ^ "Tongan PM 'Akilisi Pohiva dies, aged 78". RNZ. 12 September 2019. Retrieved 12 September 2019.
  11. ^ "Parliament elects Dr Pōhiva Tu'i'onetoa as new PM". The World News. 26 September 2019. Retrieved 27 October 2019.
  12. ^ "Reports of a rift in Tonga's Democratic Party". RNZ. 23 April 2020. Retrieved 20 June 2020.
  13. ^ "Tonga Deputy PM resigns amidst no confidence motion". RNZ. 14 December 2020. Retrieved 14 December 2020.
  14. ^ "Tonga elects all-male parliament with nine new People's Reps". Matangi Tonga. 18 November 2021. Archived from the original on 18 November 2021. Retrieved 18 November 2021.
Legislative Assembly of Tonga
Constituency Established Member of Parliament
for Tongatapu 2
2010–2021 		Succeeded by
Political offices
Preceded by
‘Etuate Lavulavu (Infrastructure)
Pōhiva Tuʻiʻonetoa (Tourism)
 Minister of Infrastructure and Tourism
2016–2019 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Deputy Prime Minister of Tonga
2017–2019 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Prime Minister of Tonga
(Acting)
2019 		Succeeded by
Party political offices
Preceded by
‘Akilisi Pōhiva
 Leader of the Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands
2019–present
Served alongside: Siaosi Pōhiva 		Incumbent
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