Samoan election petitions resolved fa’asamoa style

Friday, 5 May 2006, 6:25 pm
Article: Radio New Zealand International

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Three out of the ten election petitions in Samoa were withdrawn when the cases were heard in the Supreme Court in Apia today for mention.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Members of Parliament for Vaimauga West Patu Ativalu Togi II, against new HRPP MP Anauli Pofitu Fesili has been withdrawn. Also being withdrawn is the petition by HRPP candidate and chief executive of the Ministry of the Prime Minister, Auseugaefa Va’asatia Poloma Komiti, against newly elected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 Opposition candidate and petitioner Togia’i Fuatau Eteuati has also withdrawn his case against re-elected HRPP MP, Leao Talalelei Tuitama.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.”

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