10 Oct 2018

Claims of vote buying in WHO regional election

From , 4:05 pm on 10 October 2018

The unsuccessful candidate for a senior post at the World Health Organisation says he probably would have the job if some Pacific countries hadn't been bought out. 

Colin Tukuitonga fell short of the votes needed to become the regional director of the WHO for the Western Pacific, losing out to Japan's candidate, Dr Takeshi Kasai. 

Dr Tukuitonga, who is at present head of the Pacific Community, said he went into the vote with the near unanimous support of the Pacific countries, but fell short when it came to the actual vote. 

Dr Tukuitonga told Jamie Tahana a few Melanesian countries changed their support at the last minute - with some admitting to him their vote was bought. 

Colin Tukuitonga

Photo: Twitter/ Colin Tukuitonga