The Solomon Islands government has intervened in the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant controversy amid allegations of vote rigging. Head judge Leiataualesa Jerry Brunt and Vanuatu judge Jane Glen Canas were barred from leaving the country. The pageant organizers are urging calm as investigations proceed.
The controversy regarding the 2025 Miss Pacific Islands Pageant has escalated, prompting the Solomon Islands government to take action. The pageant’s director, Joyce Konofilia, confirmed that investigations are underway into allegations of vote tampering. Head judge Leiataualesa Jerry Brunt, a citizen of Samoa, and Vanuatu judge Jane Glen Canas were prevented from departing the country following these claims. Both judges strongly denied any accusations of wrongdoing.
Joyce Konofilia has called for the public to remain calm during this period, emphasizing the need to protect the integrity of the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant. She stated, \”I urge our people to remain calm, to bear with us for a little while the government is going through the investigation.\” The government has assumed control of the situation, with Konofilia noting, \”At this stage, the government has taken over.\” She assured that the safety of the judges is a priority as they await governmental updates.
Scrutineer Pamela Naesol contended that the results adhered to established pageant protocols. She clarified that a tie occurred between Miss Tonga and Miss Samoa, leading to the head judge casting the deciding vote for Miss Samoa. Naesol referenced a similar situation from 2006, indicating that these occurrences are not unprecedented in pageantry.
Leiataualesa Brunt has questioned the legality of the Solomon Islands’ stop orders against him and Canas, asserting, \”There is no legal basis for Solomon Islands officials to have issued a travel prohibition order against us.\” As of Wednesday, the judges were still awaiting updates on their release. In response, the government of Samoa has sought clarification from the Solomon Islands Attorney General regarding the stop order’s justification.
Brunt has announced his intention to pursue legal action against those alleging vote rigging, seeking an apology from Tonga’s government for what he termed personal attacks against him and his family. He urged the people of Tonga and Samoa to extend kindness amidst the controversy, reminding them of the importance of maintaining a positive spirit and supporting the pageant participants.
RNZ Pacific has reached out to the Solomon Islands government and the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant for further comments.
The Miss Pacific Islands Pageant controversy has intensified with the Solomon Islands government taking charge amidst allegations of vote rigging. Key figures involved have denied wrongdoing, and the investigation remains ongoing. The focus now rests on maintaining the event’s integrity while ensuring that those involved are treated fairly, highlighting the tension between public perception and official proceedings.
Original Source: www.rnz.co.nz
