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
Submissions for the bribery case of Tongan government minister 'Etuate Lavulavu have begun in Vava'u this week.
The lawyer for the two petitioners, Clive Edwards, has proposed that the election of Mr Lavulavu as representative for Vava'u be declared void.
Radio Tonga reports Mr Lavulavu is accused of bribery or illegal practices in connection with the election last year.
The submission from the petition states Mr Lavulavu visited a home to donate just over 22 UD dollars for refreshments.
The submission also says at a social gathering for Vava'u farmers, the minister's wife gave away around 36 dollars to each.
There were allegedly other donations and gifts, directed through the quarry operated by Mr Lavulavu, including help towards 47 roads in 8 different villages.
The submission declares the acts were all done to influence voters.
Mr Lavulavu is also accused of spending more than 9-thousand dollars for his campaign when his financial report to the Electoral Commission declared just under 3-thousand.