Snap elections in 2017 gave a resounding victory to the former Prime Minister 'Akilisi Pohiva, dismissed by the King in August. Independent candidates (see note 1) supporting Mr. Pohiva took 14 of the 17 directly-elected seats - up from eight previously - in the 30-member Legislative Assembly (see note 2). Two women were elected, compared to none in 2014. Lord Tangi became the Acting Speaker to oversee the process of electing a Prime Minister. On 18 December, the Legislative Assembly re-elected Mr. Pohiva as Prime Minister.

On 24 August, King Tupou VI dissolved parliament and called snap elections, without giving any reasons but stating that he had received advice from the Speaker, Lord Tu'ivakano. In a statement issued on 28 August, the Speaker accused the Government of "attempting to concentrate powers in Cabinet by gradually weaning away the powers of the King in Privy Council" and having "trespassed on the King's powers to make treaties", citing the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) Plus, signed by the Government in June 2017. On 30 August, the Attorney General said the signature of the treaty was not valid as it was not presented to the King for approval. The Government stated "The process is to sign first and then the ratification" by the King.

Note 1:
Tonga does not have a party system and all candidates formally ran as independents. The 14 independent candidates elected belong to the so-called Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands (DPFI), led by the Prime Minister. The DPFI took eight seats in the 2014 elections.

Note 2:
The Legislative Assembly also comprises the representatives of the nobles (currently nine) and all members of the Cabinet. The Cabinet may include no more than four persons who are not elected to the Legislative Assembly (Clause 51 of the Constitution). The Legislative Assembly may thus comprise up to 30 members.