“Bring it on,” woman wins round one with Speaker

By Pai Mulitalo Ale 25 February 2016, 12:00AM

A motion filed by the Speaker of Parliament and Gagaifomauga No. 3 M.P, La'auli Leuatea Polataivao, against his lone General Election opponent, Fa’aulusau Rosa Duffy Stowers, has been dismissed.

The decision was delivered by Chief Justice, His Honour Patu Tiava’asue Falefatu Sapolu and Justice Lesatele Rapi Vaai yesterday.

Speaker La’auli had questioned the eligibility of Fa’aulusau in relation to her monotaga in Aopo, Savai’i. La’auli claimed that she had not satisfied this part of the law in order for her to be a candidate.

But the woman candidate rejected the claim and provided enough evidence during the hearing to convince the Court.

Yesterday, Fa’aulusau was a relieved woman.

“My village has been accused wrongly in this matter,” she said. 

“However, I know the truth always prevails. I’m so happy that this is now out of the way so we can concentrate on the election.”

As for her opponent, Fa’aulusau had some words for him.

“Bring it on,” she said.

If she wins, the candidate said she would advocate for the government to review the Electoral Act in relation to the monotaga clause.

“I feel that the government should revisit the Act and look at ways to cushion the women from being bullied in areas like this in the future,” said Fa’aulusau. The hearing started on Monday.

La’auli testified that Faaulusau had not rendered a monotaga to her village Aopo. Alalatoa Rosella Papali’i represented the Speaker while Fa’aulusau was represented by lawyer, Salma Hazelman.

By Pai Mulitalo Ale 25 February 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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