Opinion: Bohemian Rhapsody in the Kingdom: A Political Lament for Dr. Eke’s Government
By Melino Maka
“Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy?”
These haunting lines from Bohemian Rhapsody mirror the political mood in Tonga today. When Dr. ‘Aisake Eke was elected Prime Minister, there was genuine hope—a sense that perhaps, finally, Tonga would move toward a new era of leadership rooted in humility, intelligence, and a long career in public service. But as each month passes, that dream fades into uncertainty, and now disillusionment.
Instead of taking charge, Dr. Eke has allowed his Cabinet to become fragmented—led not by unity, but by individual ambitions and personal agendas.
“I’m just a poor boy, nobody loves me…”
It’s no secret now that the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Public Enterprises are not only flexing their muscles inside Cabinet—they are actively positioning themselves for life after Eke. But they are not alone. The Minister for Revenue and Customs, the Minister for Trade and Economic Development, and the Minister for Tourism and Justice all seem to be circling the same orbit, gravitating toward power plays rather than collective responsibility.
Together, they have created a clique of ministers who speak more to each other than to the people who entrusted them with power. But if they believe that they are guaranteed Cabinet positions under a new Prime Minister after November, they might want to think again.
Politics changes. The voters are watching. And new leadership may not have the appetite to recycle old loyalties or tolerate ministers whose legacy is tied to instability, division, and self-interest. The very seats they now enjoy might not be waiting for them after the polls close.
Let us remind these ministers: you were appointed by the Prime Minister—not by your own hand, not by prophecy. You were given portfolios because he trusted you. And that trust is not a blank cheque.
Dr. Aisake Eke must also remember the solemn pledge he made to His Majesty—to lead Tonga forward with a government grounded in transparency, accountability, unity, and good governance. But very little of that is visible in his leadership today. What has emerged instead is a Cabinet that takes advantage of his gentle style—ministers who act freely, defy the principle of unity, and so far, get away with it. One can only hope that this state of affairs will shock him, and wake him up before it’s too late.
“So you think you can stone me and spit in my eye?”
This moment is not only about ministerial disloyalty. It is a test for Dr. Eke. One of the most important lessons in political leadership is the ability to listen to advisors who understand politics, not just policy. Sometimes, the best advice is the one you don’t want to hear.
Dr. Eke’s faith in God is a beautiful and personal compass—but politics is a different beast. Strong leaders like John F. Kennedy and Jimmy Carter were also men of deep faith, yet they understood the need to manage both their Cabinets and their public narratives. The Prime Minister must now find this balance before it is too late.
He must also strengthen his relationship with the nobles, who vote en bloc. It is a critical alliance that no Prime Minister can afford to ignore—especially one with a divided Cabinet and an election around the corner.
“Thunderbolts and lightning, very very frightening me…”
Yes, the people are frightened—not of change, but of the consequences of no change. What happens if this continues? What happens if this Cabinet walks us all into November with no unity, no vision, and no leadership?
That is why the Prime Minister must act—now.
First, make a public statement. Acknowledge the disunity. Apologize, not because you are weak, but because true leadership is built on accountability. Tell the people you are still the Prime Minister, and that you intend to lead Tonga through to the November election.
Second, discipline or remove at least one Cabinet Minister. Remind your colleagues that you are not a symbolic figurehead, but a decision-maker. Leadership must be seen, not just whispered about.
Third, build your team of political strategists—not just bureaucrats. You need a campaign machine that understands the pulse of the people and helps you lead with boldness and purpose.
“Nothing really matters… to me.”
If that’s the message this government continues to send, then the voters will return the same sentiment in November.
But there’s still time.
Let’s not forget: Tonga’s democratic journey is still young—only 15 years since its first true test of the people’s voice. Mistakes will be made. But we will get it right. We can get it right.
Prime Minister Eke still has a chance to finish strong. He still has a window to turn this Bohemian Rhapsody into a redemption song.
The people are waiting. Let’s hope he doesn’t let the final gong sound without taking the stage.
Final Chorus: A Poem for the Kingdom
O Tonga, land of sacred song,
Where right must rise above the wrong,
A leader’s voice must not be still,
When duty calls, he must have will.
The tide is turning, winds do cry,
The people watch with weary eye,
Yet hope still flickers in the flame,
That he will rise and stake his name.
Not for himself—but for us all,
To lift the nation lest it fall,
The hour is late, the truth is near,
Lead now, O Eke, without fear.
