Tonga’s government is facing a fresh wave of instability after Minister for Tourism and Infrastructure Semisi Sika became the second high-ranking Cabinet member to be convicted of electoral bribery in a matter of weeks.
The country’s Supreme Court found the Tongatapu 2 People’s Representative guilty after he failed to declare a TOP $10,000 (NZ$4,219) payment to a local academy just weeks before the 2025 election.
Wednesday’s ruling follows a similar conviction against Finance Minister Lata Tangimana, leaving the government’s leadership in a precarious position.
Speaking to the media after the court ruling, Sika admitted the payment was made but insisted it was a “good faith” error rather than a deliberate attempt to buy votes.
The payment was made to the Suliana Dance Academy via Five Star Finances, a company where Sika is a director.
Sika explained that the donation was personal – his nieces are members of the academy – and noted his long history of donating to rugby clubs and community festivals like the Heilala.
But the court ruled that the timing and nature of the payment breached electoral laws.
Sika has confirmed he will appeal, saying he believes the failure to declare isn’t serious enough for him to lose his seat.
Sika reclaimed the seat in last year’s general election beating predecessor and former Minister for Education Dr ‘Uhilamoelangi Fasi by a margin of 187 votes.
Following the loss, Fasi filed a complaint which prompted an Electoral Commission investigation into alleged overspending and campaign costs.
Sika is not alone in the courtroom. Finance Minister Lata Tangimana was also convicted of bribery in March on two counts including a claim that he influenced voters by providing fish to a constituents ahead of the polls.
Local media reported that the Chief Justice said he was “satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that Tangimana had knowledge of and supported the bribery actions”.
The case was brought by rival candidate ʻAisake Hoatatau Finau, who challenged the Niua 17 result. Tangimana has since resigned his Cabinet portfolio while he appeals the decision.
Political commentator Associate Professor Mafua ‘a e Lulutai Malakai Koloamatangi warned the number of cases, including a cross-petition between Sika and Fasi, could force a significant Cabinet reshuffle.
“Successful challenges could lead to a significant Cabinet reshuffle, further affecting the government’s stability,” Koloamatangi told PMN Tonga.
Under Tongan law, a bribery conviction usually means an MP must be unseated.
The Speaker of Parliament has now been formally notified of the rulings, which could lead to by-elections and a major shift in the country’s political landscape.
