The Solomon Islands government is considering fraud charges against Samoan beauty pageant judge Leiataualesa Jerry Brunt after allegations of vote tampering in the 2025 Miss Pacific Islands competition in Honiara.
Leiataualesa, the head judge, was prevented from leaving the country after a stop notice was issued against all four judges amid claims of “fraudulent activities” during the final night of the event.
While Leiataualesa denies wrongdoing and plans legal action, Solomon Islands Home Affairs Minister Junior Isikeli Vave insists that evidence of vote manipulation exists, with a recount confirming that Miss Samoa’s victory had been inaccurately recorded.
Vave is consulting with legal authorities on pressing charges and has said the matter is not a diplomatic dispute but concerns potential criminal actions within the Solomon Islands.
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