Election petitions against two Vava’u People’s Representatives for alleged bribery and corrupt practices will be mentioned on Friday, March 6 at the Nuku’alofa Supreme Court.

The Chief Justice Hon Paulsen will preside over the two separate petitions filed against former Deputy Prime Minister Samiu Vaipulu, the Vava’u No.15 PR and the Minister of Infrastructure Hon ‘Etuate Lavulavu, Vava’u's No.16 PR.

The election petition filed against Vaipulu was by Tomifa Paea, who contested the same constituency but was unsuccessful.

At the same time, Vaipulu who denied the allegation in his statement of defence had also filed a counter claim against Paea claiming he committed bribery during his election campaign for the same electorial constituency.

Lavulavu’s petition was filed by former Vava’u PR Dr Viliami Latu and ‘Aisea Siliveinusi

Vaipulu is represented in court by Clive Edwards, the former Minister of Justice while Lavulavu is represented by ‘Ofa Pouono.

The election petitions were filed in December last year.