Hu'akavameiliku

Prime minister (2021–2024) In post-election negotiations he emerged as one of the two chief contenders for the premiership, along with ʻAisake Eke. On 15 December 2021, he was elected prime minister, defeating Eke with 16 votes. Eke has stated that he will contest the election results in court. He was formally appointed prime minister on 27 December. He named his Cabinet on 29 December 2021, retaining the Education portfolio and in addition taking responsibility for Police and the Armed Forces.

On 12 March 2022 he tested positive for COVID-19.

On 2 February 2024 while Sovaleni was in New Zealand for medical treatment the king purported to revoke his appointment as armed forces minister, as well as that of foreign affairs minister Fekitamoeloa ʻUtoikamanu. Attorney-General Linda Folaumoetu'i advised the Cabinet that the decision was unconstitutional.

On 4 April 2024 Sovaleni announced that he had resigned as Armed Forces Minister while ʻUtoikamanu also resigned from the Cabinet, effective from 28 March. These were seen as a consequence to the King withdrawing his confidence in the two.

Sovaleni resigned in December 2024, pre-empting a no-confidence vote in parliament.