Three of ten Samoan election petitions resolved fa’asamoa style
Three out of the ten election petitions in Samoa were withdrawn when the cases were heard in the Supreme Court in Apia
today for mention.
Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia reports from Apia.
“After reconciliations between the first respondents and the petitioners in true fa’asamoa or Samoan way, both parties
have decided to forgive and forget.”
“The petition by former Opposition Members of Parliament for Vaimauga West Patu Ativalu Togi II, against new HRPP MP
Anauli Pofitu Fesili has been withdrawn. Also being withdrawn is the petition by HRPP candidate and chief executive of
the Ministry of the Prime Minister, Auseugaefa Va’asatia Poloma Komiti, against newly elected Opposition MP for Safata
constituency, Tuia Pua Paepae Letoa. Opposition candidate and petitioner Togia’i Fuatau Eteuati has also withdrawn his
case against re-elected HRPP MP, Leao Talalelei Tuitama. The court has asked councils for the petitioners to file
affidavits for the official withdrawal of the three cases. The seven remaining petitions alleging bribery and treating
as well as corrupt practices against the Electoral Commissioner will be heard starting on May 16.”