A misguided ruling by the judges has sparked controversy in Fiji over the selection of the representative for the 2024 Miss Universe pageant in Mexico, resulting in disappointment for two contestants.
Miss Universe Fiji organizers have stated that Nadine Roberts was the rightful winner among the top ten, but due to a rushed announcement, she was mistakenly declared as the runner-up during the event. This incident marks the second time Roberts has faced such an error; previously, another contestant, Manshika Prasad, was incorrectly announced as the winner in a different competition.
Pageant officials noted that this issue is not unprecedented in beauty contests but could have been easily resolved had the organizing team adhered to the proper procedures. A tie occurred when both contestants received eight votes, necessitating a decision from the license holder, rather than from the contracted organizer, who was perceived to favor a Fiji Indian winner for potential business opportunities.
The organizers indicated that a failure to account for the licensee’s vote contributed to the situation, allowing only the Fiji Indian contestant to be chosen by the judges, ultimately sidelining the local non-Indian contestant. An internal review indicated that seven judges and one licensee vote resulted in four votes for each contestant, raising concerns during the evening about ensuring transparent voting processes.
Despite the local licensee representative’s appeals to consider the licensee vote in tie-breaking situations, the contracted organizer proceeded to announce their preferred contestant as the winner prematurely, creating further confusion.
A representative for Miss Universe Fiji expressed disappointment over how such mistakes can overshadow the event’s success and the achievements of its talented contestants.
The close competition has the potential to enhance the event’s stature in the upcoming years. Organizers congratulated Nadine Roberts as the official representative for MUF 2024 and thanked all contestants for their hard work and contributions.
The Miss Universe event showcased Fiji’s top talents in hospitality, business, and fashion, symbolizing the country’s long-awaited return to the Miss Universe stage, 43 years after its last appearance. At 30 years old, Roberts is not only a professional singer, dancer, and property manager, but she also passionately advocates for empowering young girls and women in Fiji.
“My mission is to inspire the future generation, providing them with a platform to shine and reach their full potential,” she stated.