Miss Pacific Islands Pageant Faces Fraud Allegations and Death Threats

The Solomon Islands government launched an investigation into claims of vote tampering, barring judges from leaving the country temporarily.

The Miss Pacific Islands Pageant, meant to promote unity, descended into chaos after Samoa's Litara Ieremia-Allan was crowned winner in a controversial tie-break vote.
Allegations of vote tampering surfaced online, with some accusing the head judge, Leiataualesa Jerry Brunt of Samoa, of bias in favor of his countrywoman.
The Solomon Islands government imposed a temporary 'stop notice' on judges to assist with a police investigation, sparking diplomatic tensions with Samoa.
Pageant organizers condemned the escalating disputes, which included degrading treatment of contestants and death threats directed at judges.
Miss Tonga, Rachael Guttenbeil, acknowledged Miss Samoa's victory and called for unity among contestants and their nations.