The Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) has announced plans to legally challenge the results of the election, accusing the Fa’atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) party of widespread vote-buying, electoral irregularities, and procedural flaws.

HRPP leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi detailed allegations to Pacific Media Network and claimed that FAST candidates were engaged in extensive bribery, distributing significant sums of money openly on election day. 

“We were very surprised by the results, but reports of large amounts of money being handed out early on 29 August, similar to previous elections, explain why we were defeated,” Tuilaepa told PMN. 

He made claims of instances where cash was handed to voters and community leaders in broad daylight, supported by photographs and written statements collected by HRPP.

One specific case cited involved a candidate distributing cash openly, with bystanders capturing photographic evidence. Another report from the island of Savai’i described a matai delivering an envelope containing $2,000 to a pastor in the presence of election officials. While the pastor reportedly tried to give part of the money to an HRPP committee member, it was refused.

Beyond bribery, HRPP alleges that election officials enabled irregular voting practices. According to Tuilaepa, some registered HRPP supporters were denied the right to vote because their ballots had already been cast, while unregistered individuals allegedly affiliated with FAST were allowed to vote. 

“These are not isolated incidents,” he said, asserting that such misconduct systematically disadvantaged HRPP candidates across multiple constituencies.

HRPP is gathering evidence and witnesses to support their case and plans to file applications for full recounts in court. Tuilaepa also revealed that the Sāmoa Uniting Party (SUP) faced similar challenges and intends to pursue legal action alongside HRPP.

Criticizing FAST leader and Prime Minister-elect Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt, Tuilaepa condemned the use of religious rhetoric in politics, questioning how such appeals to God align with allegations of corruption linked to FAST members. He stressed the importance of respecting the law, warning against attempts to bypass constitutional processes in forming government.

Tuilaepa also called for stricter election regulations to curb bribery, suggesting either banning all cultural events during the campaign period, rules which HRPP had previously upheld, or introducing strict limits on campaign spending. He noted that recent court interpretations have allowed cultural practices to be seen as legitimate campaign expenses, which he believes fuels ongoing corruption.

Acknowledging issues with the new electoral system, Tuilaepa stated, “The system that was used now was new and untested, leading to massive errors.” He confirmed that HRPP is considering calling for a fresh general election to restore electoral integrity.

“We will fight and keep fighting for the truth,” Tuilaepa said, underscoring HRPP’s commitment to pursuing justice through the courts.