Miss Pacific Islands Pageant Judges Stopped Amid Fraud Allegations

A diplomatic dispute has emerged between the Solomon Islands and Samoa following accusations of fraud in the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant, where Miss Samoa, Litara Ieremia Allan, was crowned. Head judge Leiataualesa Jerry Brunt and other judges were initially barred from leaving the Solomon Islands due to allegations of vote rigging. The Solomon Islands government lifted the exit ban but confirmed that an investigation into the alleged fraudulent activities would continue. Brunt described his experience as 'troubling and confusing,' and the Samoan government is seeking official details regarding the incident. The pageant's organizers called for unity amidst the controversy, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the integrity of the event. The newly crowned Miss Pacific Islands returned home to Samoa as the investigation unfolds.