The Supreme Court has granted an interim stay of execution of its orders, declaring the election of Toelupe Poumulinuku Onesemo void. This was after a challenge was made by Toelupe Poumulinuku Onesemo against the court's electoral jurisdiction.

This means that until the challenge is decided upon, the decision of the court which found Toelupe guilty of one count of bribery is not in force.

Toelupe filed a notice of motion seeking enforcement of constitutional rights review of actions of the Supreme Court acting in its electoral jurisdiction on 30 March, 2026.

The court also reviewed the affidavit of Toelupe in support of the notice of motion for enforcement of constitutional rights and review of the court's decision and notice of stay of judgment dated 30 March 2026.

Chief Justice Satiu Simativa Perese, in responding to the application, ordered that the various documents filed by the applicant are to be referred to Justice Rhys Harrison, who will take carriage of the matter.

The court also granted an interim stay of execution of the judgment of the court under challenge, pending further order of the court.

Toelupe announced on Tuesday that he will challenge and appeal the decision by the electoral court and that he has officially stepped down as the Deputy Prime Minister and a member of the cabinet.

The stay of execution will hold the decision made by the electoral court on 24 March.