One more candidate who had his election registration rejected for the 2021 General Election has withdrawn his legal challenge against the Office of the Electoral Commission.

I’a Sau Kaisara, of Tafagamanu and Savaia Lefaga, filed a motion to withdraw his electoral challenge last week prior to the scheduled date for his petition hearing.

The motion was accepted by the Attorney General’s Office – acting on behalf of the Electoral Commissioner.

A Notice of no Objection from the Attorney General’s Office confirms their position

In addition, the A.G. asked Court for orders to dismiss the applicant’s motion in their entirety.

The A.G. is also asking for the parties to bear their own costs.

I’a was disqualify to run from the Lefaga and Falease’ela constituency because of a traffic conviction on his records in 2014.

According to the businessman he was convicted and fined for driving into a family’s hedge at Saleimoa in 2013.

The electoral challenge is one of four petitions being dropped from the initial 20 that were filed after the nomination period last month.

The Minister of Finance, Sili Epa Tuioti was the first to the plug on the legal challenge against opponent and businessman Fiu Gasologa Foloki.

Fiu had withdrawn his candidacy two days earlier and as a result Sili decided to withdraw the electoral challenge against his rival.

The Deputy Leader of the Samoan National Democratic Party, Vui Masinamua Seinafolava was the third to throw the towel for his petition.

Vui who failed to register for the Fa’asaleleaga 5 constituency means the seat is the first guaranteed seat for the ruling Human Rights Protection Party in parliament.

All three eligible candidates contesting from the constituency are flying the H.R.P.P. banner.  

The Incumbent Member of Parliament for Aiga ile Tai and Associate Minister of Finance, Mulipola Laki Leiataua is the second to fourth to withdraw his petition.

His decision not to fight the Electoral Commissioner’s decision to reject his nomination means he wont be able to defend the seat he currently occupies in the upcoming election.

The first petition that was dismissed by the Supreme Court is the matter filed by Fata Ryan Schuster against the Electoral Commissioner.