Solomon Islands Government Intervenes in Miss Pacific Islands Pageant Controversy

The Solomon Islands government has taken over the investigation into voting irregularities in the 2025 Miss Pacific Islands Pageant, with judges barred from leaving the country amid allegations of vote rigging. The pageant director has called for calm while investigations proceed, and the head judge, Leiataualesa Brunt, plans to pursue legal action against his accusers.

The Miss Solomon Islands Pageant director has stated that the Solomon Islands government is now addressing the controversy surrounding the 2025 Miss Pacific Islands Pageant related to allegations of vote rigging. Following this development, the head judge Leiataualesa Jerry Brunt and judge Jane Glen Canas from Vanuatu were prohibited from leaving the Solomon Islands. Leiataualesa has refuted claims of wrongdoing, expressing confusion about the origins of the allegations.

Joyce Konofilia, the pageant director, has urged the community to remain calm while the investigation is underway, emphasizing, “Our ultimate goal is to ensure that the pageant does not come into disrepute.” She noted that the government is leading this investigation, and the organizers are now waiting for a final statement regarding Brunt’s travel situation and the next steps.

Pamela Naesol, scrutineer and chief executive of the Institute of Solomon Islands Accountants (ISIA), defended the integrity of the voting process. She clarified that ties are not unusual in such competitions, stating, “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 called the travel prohibition against him and Canas legally unfounded, asserting, “There is no legal basis for Solomon Islands officials to have issued a travel prohibition order against us.” As of Wednesday, the judges had not received updates on their situation since being barred from their flights. In response, Samoa’s government is seeking clarity from the Solomon Islands Attorney General’s Office about the stop order issued.

The head judge plans to take legal action against the allegations of vote rigging. He stated his intention to initiate proceedings upon returning home, demanding an apology from the Government of Tonga for what he termed libelous accusations and personal attacks. Leiataualesa also appealed for unity among his community, urging respect and kindness as they hope for a resolution to the ongoing matter.

In summary, the controversy involving the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant has prompted the Solomon Islands government to take control of the situation amid allegations of vote rigging. The involved parties, including Leiataualesa Brunt and Jane Glen Canas, have denied any wrongdoing, while the organizers have called for patience. Legal actions are anticipated, as the communities involved are encouraged to maintain solidarity during this tumultuous period.

Original Source: www.rnz.co.nz