The Acting Attorney General and Director of Public Prosecutions has received evidence from the Supreme Court Registry regarding an alleged outstanding debt by People’s Representative for Tongatapu No.4, Mateni Tapueluelu, on the date of his electoral candidacy registration.

‘Aminiasi Kefu said on Tuesday, 21 July he was now considering legal action after receiving the evidence.

He  said the evidence relates to whether or not this People's Representative had an outstanding judgment on the date of nomination registration for the General Election in October 2014.

It is understood that individuals are not eligible to register as candidates election to parliament if they have outstanding debts to the court.

The Electoral Commission had formally enquired with the court registry to confirm this matter when the Attorney General’s office raised the issue.

It follows a decision made by the Court of Appeal on 31 March this year regarding an appeal by Laucala Pohiva, Mateni Tapueluelu and Kele’a Newspaper against an order to strike out an appeal against William Clive Edwards, at the Supreme Court.

The Appeal judges had ruled that the Kele’a newspaper can have its appeal heard at the Supreme Court against damages and costs awarded to Edwards in the defamation case, but they must first pay $14,500 in damages plus costs and interest before proceeding.