The Miss Pacific Islands Pageant controversy involves allegations of vote rigging, leading to government intervention and the blocking of judges Leiataualesa Jerry Brunt and Jane Glen Canas from leaving the Solomon Islands. Joyce Konofilia appeals for calm, while the integrity of the pageant is prioritized. Legal actions are anticipated as the situation develops.
The director of the Miss Solomon Islands Pageant has informed RNZ Pacific that the ongoing controversy regarding the 2025 Miss Pacific Islands Pageant is now in the hands of the Solomon Islands government, following allegations of vote rigging. Judges Leiataualesa Jerry Brunt from Samoa and Jane Glen Canas from Vanuatu were prevented from exiting the country on Tuesday amidst claims of irregularities in the final results of the pageant.
Leiataualesa has denied any misconduct, expressing confusion about the source of the allegations. Additionally, Joyce Konofilia, the director of the Miss Solomon Islands Pageant, has appealed for calm as tensions escalate online, stating, “I urge our people to remain calm, to bear with us while the government investigates.” She emphasized the importance of maintaining the pageant’s integrity and that the government is now taking charge of the situation.
Konofilia noted that the government has taken control of the matter and that Brunt was stopped from leaving the Solomon Islands. She remarked, “At this stage, the government has taken over, and Brunt was stopped from leaving the country. It’s a bit beyond us now as the organisers of the event.”
Contrarily, Pamela Naesol, CEO of the Institute of Solomon Islands Accountants (ISIA), countered the allegations, asserting that the results adhered to standard procedures. She explained, “After the onstage interview results were entered into our spreadsheet, we saw a tie between Miss Tonga and Miss Samoa, with each receiving two votes,” adding that the head judge is obligated to cast the deciding vote in such occurrences.
Leiataualesa, a professional lawyer, has also questioned the legality of the travel ban issued against him and Canas, stating, “There is no legal basis for Solomon Islands officials to have issued a travel prohibition order against us.” The judges had been anticipating their departure on Tuesday afternoon, but they had not received further updates by Wednesday.
Samoa’s government has requested detailed information from the Solomon Islands Attorney General’s Office regarding the circumstances surrounding the travel prohibition. Furthermore, Leiataualesa intends to pursue legal action against those who accused him of vote rigging, affirming, “Once I am home, I will begin legal proceedings.”
He also demanded an apology from the Government of Tonga for the “libel and personal attacks” against him and his family. Leiataualesa concluded by appealing for unity among the communities of Tonga and Samoa, emphasizing the necessity of kindness and positivity during these tumultuous times, stating, “We need to help their cause, not be harsh on each other, and keep the Pacific spirit within ourselves and let us all hope for the best outcome.”
The controversy regarding the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant has escalated, leading to the involvement of the Solomon Islands government. Allegations of vote rigging have resulted in a travel ban for two judges, who maintain their innocence. As investigations continue, calls for calm and unity are emphasized, while the outcome of these proceedings remains uncertain.
Original Source: www.rnz.co.nz
