The Minister of Lands, Dr Taniela Fusimālohi, has been found guilty of electoral bribery under the Electoral Act, in a ruling that could have significant consequences for his position in government and Parliament.

According to reports from Radio Nuku’alofa and Kele’a Voice, the court ruled that Dr Fusimālohi, who was officially sworn yesterday in parliament as ‘Eua’s representative and cabinet minister, committed electoral bribery by allegedly providing Starlink internet connections during the general election campaign. The court found that the provision of the satellite internet service amounted to an unlawful inducement under the Electoral Act.

However, the minister was acquitted on separate allegations relating to road works and the construction of a town hall, with the court finding insufficient grounds to uphold those claims.

Details of the judgment and the court’s full reasoning have yet to be publicly released. However, the conviction marks another high-profile electoral case following the 2025 General Election.

Despite the ruling, Dr Fusimālohi will remain in office for now. Radio Nuku’alofa reported that he successfully applied for a stay of the court’s decision pending appeal. The stay allows him to continue serving as the parliamentary representative for ʻEua 11 and as Minister for Lands, Survey, Planning and Natural Resources until the appeal is heard.

Under Tonga’s electoral laws, findings of electoral bribery can lead to the loss of a parliamentary seat and may trigger a by-election, subject to any appeal process. Similar cases in recent months involving serving ministers have triggered constitutional and parliamentary processes, including appeals and potential removal from office.

The ruling comes amid increased scrutiny of electoral conduct in Tonga. The Supreme Court has heard a number of election-related petitions since the 2025 poll, reflecting a broader effort to uphold electoral integrity and public confidence in the democratic process. Several cases have involved allegations of bribery, campaign spending breaches and other electoral offences.

Further information is expected once the court releases detailed findings and any sentencing or appeal arrangements are confirmed.