Tonga’s Deputy Prime Minister Viliami Latu has been acquitted by the Supreme Court following allegations of electoral bribery brought by his political rival, ʻEtuate Lavulavu.
No detailed reasons for the acquittal were immediately released, but the ruling clears Latu of the case brought against him.
This is a developing story. More details will follow as they become available.
As Kaniva News reported previously, the case included claims that town officer Uele Moala received a substantial sum of money from Latu during the November 2025 election campaign period.
A writ filed in Tongan alleged the payment was made at Moala’s home on 18 November 2025, and was intended for a Free Wesleyan Church minister in Hōleva.
Moala was summoned to appear before the court to give evidence regarding the allegation. However, he had earlier publicly denied any wrongdoing, stating in a Facebook post that the claims were false and that he would contest them in court.
“I have not yet seen how lies are being fabricated to appear as truth, but I am glad we have reached court so the truth can be revealed,” Moala said, adding that the allegations had also affected the reputation of church leaders.
The case marks the latest chapter in a long-running political rivalry between Latu and Lavulavu. In 2016, Lavulavu was convicted of electoral bribery and overspending during his 2014 campaign, in a case initiated by Latu.
Following that conviction, a by-election was held in which Lavulavu’s wife, ʻAkosita Lavulavu, defeated Latu to win the vacant parliamentary seat.
The latest ruling brings a close—for now—to another legal clash between the two figures.
