Tonga is contemplating withdrawing from the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant following allegations of vote rigging in the recent competition held in the Solomon Islands.
The controversy erupted after Miss Samoa, Litara Ieremia Allan, was crowned the winner, with Miss Tonga, Racheal Guttenbeil, as the first runner-up.
Viliami Takau, Chief Executive Officer of Tonga’s Ministry of Tourism, expressed concerns over the integrity of the event. He told Kaniva News that Tonga is considering withdrawing from the competition and may decide against future participation following reports of the alleged incidents.
The Solomon Islands government has initiated an investigation into the allegations, temporarily preventing judges, including head judge Leiataualesa Jerry Brunt from Samoa, from leaving the country. Brunt has denied any wrongdoing, stating, “I don’t even know where that allegation came from.”
As the situation unfolds, the future of Tonga’s participation in the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant remains uncertain. Takau indicated that beginning next year, Tonga will assess the possibility of participating in an alternative competition.
The Miss Pacific Islands Pageant, established in 1987, aims to promote Pacific culture and unity. This recent controversy has cast a shadow over its reputation, prompting discussions about its management and the fairness of its judging processes.
