The Solomon Islands government now oversees the investigation into allegations of vote rigging concerning the 2025 Miss Pacific Islands Pageant. Judges Leiataualesa Jerry Brunt from Samoa and Jane Glen Canas from Vanuatu were prevented from leaving due to claims of interference. The Miss Solomon Islands Pageant director called for calm amidst social media tensions, while the legal status of the judges continues to be a topic of discussion among the involved nations.
The ongoing controversy regarding the 2025 Miss Pacific Islands Pageant has now escalated to the involvement of the Solomon Islands government, following allegations of vote rigging. The director of the Miss Solomon Islands Pageant, Joyce Konofilia, indicated that investigations are in progress, particularly concerning the actions of head judge Leiataualesa Jerry Brunt from Samoa and judge Jane Glen Canas from Vanuatu, who were barred from leaving the island on Tuesday.
Leiataualesa has firmly denied any misconduct, expressing confusion about the source of the allegations. In response to rising tensions expressed on social media, Director Konofilia urged the community to remain calm as the government conducts its inquiry. She emphasized the commitment to maintaining the pageant’s integrity and averting any disrepute.
Konofilia confirmed that the jurisdiction over the matter now lies with the Solomon Islands government, and they await clarification regarding the status of Brunt, who is under a travel restriction. She underscored the organizers’ responsibility for his safety during this turbulent period.
However, Pamela Naesol, the chief executive of the Institute of Solomon Islands Accountants, defended the pageant’s results and clarified the vote process. She noted a tie between Miss Tonga and Miss Samoa, which led to Brunt casting the deciding vote in favor of Miss Samoa, ultimately resulting in her crowning.
Further complicating matters, Leiataualesa questioned the legal foundation of the Solomon Islands’ travel prohibition against him and Canas. He stated, “There is no legal basis for Solomon Islands officials to have issued a travel prohibition order against us,” indicating a possibility of legal recourse in response to the allegations against him.
As the situation unfolds, the government of Samoa has sought formal information regarding the travel restrictions imposed on the judges. Leiataualesa has also stated his intention to pursue legal action against his accusers and demanded an apology from the Government of Tonga for the defamatory allegations directed at him and his family.
In a plea for unity, he called on the communities from Tonga and Samoa to act with kindness and maintain a supportive atmosphere for the contestants, emphasizing the need to preserve the spirit of solidarity across the Pacific as they await a resolution to this controversy.
The controversy surrounding the 2025 Miss Pacific Islands Pageant has prompted the Solomon Islands government to intervene in allegations of vote rigging. Both judges involved in the case have been barred from leaving the country as investigations continue. The Miss Solomon Islands Pageant organizers are waiting for government updates, while tensions rise among the involved communities. Ultimately, the emphasis remains on ensuring the integrity of the pageant and encouraging positive dialogue among the nations.
Original Source: www.rnz.co.nz
