Supreme Court overturns Speaker's decision to declare Olo and Faumuina's seats void
The Supreme Court has overturned a decision from the Speaker of Parliament, Leaupepe Toleafoa Fa'afisi, to declare void the seats of two Members of Parliament.
Salega East M.P., Olo Fiti Vaai, and Urban West M.P., Faumuina Wayne Fong filed, in the Supreme Court to challenge a decision from the Speaker to vacate their seats.
In their decision, a panel of Supreme Court Justices ruled in favour of the members' claim that the decision of the Speaker was in breach of the Constitution.
The Court also made the order to decline the decision from the Speaker to vacate the M.P.s' seat.
In addition, the panel of Justices concluded that neither Olo and Faumuina had joined a political party namely Faatuatua ile Atua Samoa ua Tasi (F.A.S.T.).
Acting Chief Justice, Her Honour Niava Mata Tuatagaloa, Justice Leiataualesa Daryl Clarke and Justice Tafaoimalo Leilani Tuala-Warren delivered the decision in a crowded courtroom full of supporters.
Lawyers Luamanuvao Katalaina Sapolu and Leota Tima Leavai acted on behalf of the Speaker. Mauga Precious Chang and Muriel Lui are the lawyers for Olo and Faumuina.
* This is a developing story.