SYDNEY (Reuters) -Tongan Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni has resigned "for the good of the country and moving Tonga forward", the Pacific Island nation's parliament said on Monday. Media reported the resignation in parliament shortly before midday came ahead of a motion for a vote of no confidence expected to be put to the assembly.

Tonga's Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni abruptly resigned on Monday, stepping down in the wake of a power struggle with the Pacific nation's royal family.

Siaosi Sovaleni is stepping down as Tonga's prime minister with less than a year until the country's next election.

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WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Tonga’s Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni abruptly resigned in parliament on Monday ahead of a planned no-confidence vote in his leadership, capping a period of fraught relations between his government and Tonga’s king.

Tongan Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni has resigned, citing the nation's progress as his reason. His decision precedes a no-confidence vote. King Tupou VI accepted his resignation, with parliament set to discuss new nominations for the premier on December 24.

Tongan Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni has resigned, the Tongan Parliament office has confirmed.

Hu'akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni, the Tonga Prime Minister, has resigned rather than face a no-confidence motion.

Tonga's parliament must elect a new prime minister following the resignation of Hu'akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni after three years in the job.