An election petition filed against Tonga's Minister of Infrastructure for alleged illegal practices will be heard by a Supreme Court judge in July.
]Matangi Tonga reports the petition was filed by Viliami Uasike Latu and 'Aisea Silivenusi against 'Etuate Lavulavu.
Mr Lavulavu requested a trial by a judge and jury in Vava'u, where he is MP, but the Chief Justice ruled the trial will be heard without a jury there from July 13.
The petition alleges that Mr Lavulavu offered bribes of money and gifts in connection with his election.
It also alleges that the total amount spent by him in his election campaign exceeded the limit of US$5044 by a considerable margin.
The petitioners say he spent more than US$62,000 in relation to his campaign.
An election petition filed against Tonga's Minister of Infrastructure, 'Etuate Lavulavu, for alleged illegal practices will be heard by a Supreme Court judge in July 2015. Photo: Facebook