6 Jan 2015

Tonga's Electoral Commission receives complaints

3:20 pm on 6 January 2015

Tonga's Electoral Commission has received complaints against several candidates for allegedly overspending during last year's election campaign.

One of the unsuccessful candidates, Mele 'Amanaki, has lodged a complaint against Siaosi Sovaleni, who is now the deputy Prime Minister.

Radio Tonga says she has also complained about two unsuccessful candidates - Tevita Palu and William Clive Edwards.

The Electoral Commission says it is working to process the complaints.

Ms 'Amanaki, who is the Secretary-General of Tonga's Public Service Association, says she wants justice as she believes the electoral act has been breached.

The acting Attorney General has already announced 16 candidates will be taken to court for breaching the electoral act.

'Aminiasi Kefu says the candidates failed to submit detailed campaign expenses to the Electoral Commission by the December 11th deadline.

More than 100 candidates contested the election that saw 'Akilisi Pohiva become the kingdom's Prime Minister.

The National Shield of Tonga

The National Shield of Tonga Photo: RNZI