The Miss Solomon Islands Pageant faces controversy over alleged vote rigging in the 2025 Miss Pacific Islands Pageant, prompting government intervention. Judges Leiataualesa Jerry Brunt and Jane Glen Canas were barred from leaving the country amid these claims. The director urged calm while investigations are conducted, as the integrity of the pageant remains a priority.
The Miss Solomon Islands Pageant is currently enmeshed in controversy regarding the 2025 Miss Pacific Islands Pageant. Allegations of vote rigging have emerged, prompting the Solomon Islands government to intervene as investigations proceed. Notably, head judge Leiataualesa Jerry Brunt from Samoa and judge Jane Glen Canas from Vanuatu were prevented from leaving the country amidst claims of tampering with the final results.
Leiataualesa has categorically denied any wrongdoing regarding the election process, expressing confusion over the origins of these allegations. “I don’t even know where that allegation came from,” he stated to Indepth Solomons. In the face of rising tensions across social media platforms, the Miss Solomon Islands Pageant director Joyce Konofilia has urged the public to remain calm while investigations take place. She emphasized the importance of safeguarding the pageant’s integrity and ensuring it does not fall into disrepute.
Konofilia confirmed that the government is now in charge of the investigation. “At this stage, the government has taken over,” she said, highlighting that the organizers are awaiting a final statement regarding Brunt’s status and the path forward. The safety and well-being of the judges are of paramount concern, she added.
Pamela Naesol, the chief executive of the Institute of Solomon Islands Accountants, disputed the allegations of misconduct, explaining that the results adhered to established protocols. She clarified that a tie had occurred between Miss Tonga and Miss Samoa, requiring a decisive vote from the head judge, which ultimately led to Miss Samoa’s victory. Similar situations have been previously encountered in pageant history, according to Naesol.
Leiataualesa, a lawyer, has questioned the legality of the Solomon Islands’ travel ban against him and Canas. He stated there is no lawful basis for the restrictions imposed on them. Despite their attempts to depart via scheduled flights, updates regarding their travel remain pending. The Samoan government has requested clarification from the Solomon Islands’ Attorney General’s Office regarding the travel prohibition yet has not received an official response.
In summary, the ongoing conflict surrounding the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant has escalated following allegations of vote rigging, leading the Solomon Islands government to take control of investigations. Key figures in the situation are contesting their treatment and the integrity of the proceedings. The outcome of this controversy is awaited with the hope of restoring calm amongst the involved parties and the wider community.
Original Source: www.rnz.co.nz
