A trial to hear an election petition filed against the Minister of Infrastructure and Vava’u No.16 People’s Representative to Parliament, Hon. 'Etuate Lavulavu, started on Wednesday, 25 November only to be adjourned to Monday, 30 November in Neiafu.

Lavulavu, who recently hired new legal representation in Sifa Tu’utaifava, appeared before Chief Justice O.G. Paulsen for the start of the trial, at the Supreme Court.

Counsel asked for the adjournment to next Monday to give him time to prepare paper work, including the evidence of their 15 witnesses, which the Chief Justice accepted.

The trial, now expected to run for a week, is to hear the election petition filed by Viliami Uasike Latu alleging Lavulavu had committed corruption and illegal activities during his campaign for the 2014 General Election, which was held on November 27, 2014.

However, before the adjournment the petitioner's counsel William Clive Edwards called his first witness to give evidence, Uinifou Fili from Leimatu’a because she had to travel abroad.

The petitioner is expected to call a total of 11 witnesses to give evidence in court.