Five more election petitions pending, including two Cabinet Ministers [1]
Wednesday, May 4, 2022 - 21:25
By Linny Folau
Five election petitions remain pending at the Supreme Court in Nuku'alofa. Two are against Cabinet Ministers, including the Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Poasi Tei, and the Minister for Finance, Hon. Tatafu Moeaki.
The others are against Tevita Puloka, 'Aisake Eke, and a second petition against Dr Pohiva Tu'i'onetoa.
A total of eight petitions were filed with the Court, after the November 2021 General Elections, alleging bribery in breach of s.21 (1) of the Electoral Act.
Three petitions have so far received rulings by the court:
- Petition dismissed. Semisi Sika's election petition against Tongatapu No. 2 People's Representative 'Uhilamoelangi Fasi, was dismissed on 15 April.
- Petition succeeded. Former Prime Minister Pohiva Tu'i'onetoa (TBU 10 P'R) was unseated when he was found by the Court to have committed bribery on one occasion, in a judgment issued on 29 April. The election petition was filed by Kelekolio Taniela Kiu.
- Petition suceeded. The Minister for Internal Affairs, Sione Sangster Saulala (TBU7) was found to have committed bribery, in two occasions on 2 May. The election petition was filed by Piveni Piukala.
Their election was declared void by the Court, and their seats vacated in the Legislative Assembly.
Pending
Meanwhile, coming up for judgment this Friday, May 6 is an election petition against Tongatapu No.1 People's Representative, Tevita Puloka. This was filed by Siaosi Pohiva who contested the same electorate.
Two judgements are pending after hearings were completed last month, in the election petition against Deputy Prime Minister Poasi Tei (TBU 6) brought by Fane Fituafe, who contested the same electorate; and the election petition against the Minister of Finance Tatafu Moeaki (TBU 4) filed by Mateni Tapueluelu, who contested the same electorate.
Meanwhile, 'Aisake Eke (TBU 5) has an election petition filed against him by 'Akanete Lauti.
Dr Pohiva Tu'i'onetoa has a second election petition filed by Kapelieli Lanumata, who vied for the same electorate.
Their trials will be held at the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court.