Nuku’alofa — Tonga’s Electoral Commission is investigating allegations of campaign overspending and concerns about whether all expenses were properly declared, following a formal complaint against Semisi Sika, the Member of Parliament for Tongatapu 2.
The dispute centres on a $10,000 sponsorship for Suliana Dance Academy, announced during a recital on November 8, 2025, just weeks before the general election.
Former MP and defeated candidate ‘Uhilamoelangi Fasi, also known by the name Pingi Fasi, raised the concern in a letter to the Supervisor of Elections Pita Vuki, claiming the donation should be classified as campaign expenditure under Section 24 of the Electoral Act.
According to the document, written on December 16, seen by Kaniva News, Fasi argued that the payment, made within six months of the election, amounted to 50 percent of the allowable spending limit of $20,000 and, if unreported, could constitute an electoral offence.
He also questioned whether fireworks celebrating Sika’s victory on election night were itemised in his expense report. Affidavits and video evidence from the recital were submitted to support the claim, including statements from the event’s MC endorsing Sika’s candidacy.
The Electoral Commission has forwarded the complaint to Sika, requesting his response.
Corporate Sponsorship, Not Campaign
In response, Sika categorically denied any wrongdoing, stating the sponsorship was not a personal campaign expense but a corporate contribution from Five Star Finance, a company in which he is a shareholder.
He emphasised that the support was part of the firm’s ongoing Corporate Social Responsibility program and had been provided annually, regardless of his political status.
“This expenditure does not constitute spending on an election campaign by a candidate under Section 24 of the Electoral Act,” Sika wrote in his reply to the Commission.
Bribery and Residency Alleged
Sika further countered with allegations against Fasi, accusing him of breaching residency requirements for candidacy and engaging in illegal campaigning on the day of the poll.
He alleged that Fasi had been residing in Fangaloto, not in any location within Tongatapu Constituency 2, which includes Havelu, Tofoa, Fanga ‘o Pilolevu, Kolofoou and Mailetaha, during the three months preceding the election as required by law.
Documents addressed to the Election Supervisor seen by Kaniva News show that Sika also alleged Fasi’s secretary sent SMS messages urging voters to “remember Pingi” and accused his rival of bribery through the selective distribution of kumala (sweet potatoes) to households during the campaign period.
Sika urged the Commission to investigate these alleged violations, describing them as “substantial and warranting immediate action.”
Fasi and the Election Commission could not be reached for comment.
This was not the first time Sika and Fasi clashed after a general election.
In 2022, following Fasi’s victory over Sika, Sika filed a petition alleging electoral bribery. However, the Supreme Court dismissed the claim and ruled in Fasi’s favour.
