Tongatapu 7 MP Piveni Piukala allegedly exchanged words with his accuser’s supporters during a court appearance this morning.
Hon Piukala appeared at the Nuku’alofa Supreme Court after he was charged with electoral fraud.
It is understood Hon Piukala has submitted a response against his charges and told the court ‘there was no case to answer’.
Piukala’s political companion and supporter Kelekolio Tapueluelu claimed the tension this morning began after Piukala entered the court and made references to his accuser and their supporters.
Tapueluelu said the accuser’s supporters responded before a man allegedly stood up and walked towards Hon Piukala.
Tapueluelu said that at one stage he subdued the man by holding his hand.
The Ministry of Justice could not be reached for comment.
The fraud charge allegations against Piukala are related to his successful campaigns in Tongatapu 7 during Tonga’s November parliamentary by-election campaigns.
The allegations included bribing voters.
Piukala won the by-election after he successfully sued former Tongatapu 7 MP Sangstar Saulala over electoral bribery. As a result, the Supreme Court declared Saulala’s election void in August.
The petition against Piukala was filed by a Tongatapu 7 rival constituent, Feleti Ulakai.
