The Solomon Islands government is investigating allegations of vote rigging related to the 2025 Miss Pacific Islands Pageant. Head judge Leiataualesa Jerry Brunt and Vanuatu judge Jane Glen Canas are facing travel restrictions. Miss Solomon Islands Pageant director Joyce Konofilia calls for calm, while officials defend the voting process. Legal action and appeals for positive dialogue among Pacific communities are underway.
The controversy surrounding the 2025 Miss Pacific Islands Pageant has escalated, with the Solomon Islands government now involved in the investigative process regarding alleged vote rigging. The head judge, Leiataualesa Jerry Brunt from Samoa, and Vanuatu judge Jane Glen Canas were prohibited from departing the Solomon Islands amid these accusations. Brunt has refuted the allegations, stating, “I don’t even know where that allegation came from.”
Miss Solomon Islands Pageant director Joyce Konofilia has urged calm among the public as the investigations unfold. She emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant, stating, “Our ultimate goal is to ensure that the pageant does not come into disrepute.” She confirmed that the government is now overseeing the situation and expressed her commitment to ensuring Brunt’s safety during the investigation.
Pamela Naesol, chief executive of the Institute of Solomon Islands Accountants (ISIA), has defended the pageant’s results, indicating that the proper protocols were followed. She clarified that the final decision in case of a tie is the responsibility of the head judge, who cast his vote for Miss Samoa, resulting in her crowning. Naesol mentioned, “Jerry was the only one who could make the final decision. He voted for Samoa, giving them three votes to Tonga’s two, ultimately crowning Miss Samoa as the winner.”
Leiataualesa has also raised concerns about the legality surrounding the travel restrictions imposed on him and Canas, asserting, “There is no legal basis for Solomon Islands officials to have issued a travel prohibition order against us.” After being detained from boarding their flights, he announced intentions to pursue legal action against those making the vote rigging allegations and called for kindness among his countrymen.
As of now, the Solomon Islands government has not provided further updates regarding the travel status of the judges. Samoa’s government is seeking clarification from the Attorney General’s Office about the rationale behind the travel prohibition. As the investigation continues, various officials stress the importance of supporting the integrity of the pageant and maintaining positive relations among the involved Pacific communities.
The ongoing controversy involving the 2025 Miss Pacific Islands Pageant has drawn significant attention, with the Solomon Islands government leading an investigation into allegations of vote rigging. As the head judge and another judge face travel restrictions due to these claims, the situation remains delicate. Both supporters and officials emphasize the necessity of preserving the integrity of the pageant while fostering unity among the Pacific Islands.
Original Source: www.rnz.co.nz
