appeal

Convicted Tonga minister plans appeal

'Etuate Lavulavu was found guilty on three counts of conspiracy to commit bribery on three separate occasions in his 2014 election campaign on Vava'u.

In his judgement, Chief Justice Owen Paulsen said Lavulavu had given cash gifts to three different groups ahead of the election, in clear breach of electoral laws.

Former Tongan MP to appeal against election ruling

Last month the Speaker of Parliament confirmed that Mateni Tapueluelu's Tongatapu seat was now vacant following the December court ruling.

The Attorney-General 'Aminiasi Kefu brought the case after he discovered Mr Tapueluelu had possibly breached electoral laws by failing to pay court fines.