Former Deputy PM files counterclaim [1]
Wednesday, January 28, 2015 - 23:00
Tonga’s former Deputy Prime Minister and current Vava’u No.15 People’s Representative to Parliament has denied allegations made against him by an unsuccessful candidate who filed an election petition with the Supreme Court, in Nuku'alofa.
Samiu Vaipulu who is represented by Clive Edwards filed with the court his statement of defence and a counterclaim against the petitioner Tomifa Paea.
In December last year, Paea filed an election petition against Vaipulu claiming that he committed bribery and corrupt practices during his campaign for last November's General Election.
The case which was set to be called on Tuesday, 27 January was adjourned to February 10 at the request of the petitioner Paea.
Vaipulu in his statement of defence denied the allegations of bribery, in particular that the cost of food and lunch for a family and campaign workers, as it was declared with the Supervisor of Elections as part of his campaign expenses.
He also denied allegations of advertising by giving away of cigarettes and paying of kava fees and that costs of his radio announcements and advertisements were too declared with the Election Supervisor.
Vaipulu submitted to the court to dismiss the petition and sought for an order of costs against Paea.
Counterclaim
At the same time, in the counterclaim, Vaipulu claimed Tomifa committed bribery in the form of payments of money and making valuable gifts to influence votes during his election campaign for the same electoral constituency.
“The corrupt practices of giving food and drinks and money by the petitioner or by his family and others on his behalf were extensive and serious.”
He also claimed that the total amount spent by Paea on his election campaign either cash or in valuable gifts or both far exceeded the limit of $10,000.
Vaipulu sought for the court to declare him guilty of bribery and for an order to prevent his nomination as a candidate on any election within five-years from the date of the order from court.
This matter is to be heard before the Hon Chief Justice Paulsen.