The Electoral Court on Friday has reasserted Lautimuia Uelese Vaai as the Member of Parliament for Vaimauga No.3 for the remainder of this parliamentary term.

The court has ruled that giving money during roadshows and presentation prior to polling day are all part of Samoa’s traditions and culture.

Lautimuia’s win in the by-election in February was challenged by the defeated Human Rights Protection Party (H.R.P.P) candidate, Samau Leatigagaeono Timani.

Samau claimed Lautimuia of corrupt practices prior to the by-election earlier this year.

Lautimuia also filed a counter petition against Samau accusing him and his associates of bribery and corrupt practices.

However, the electoral court dismissed both the petition and counter-petition on Friday afternoon. 

Senior Supreme Court Judge, Justice Vui Clarence Nelson and Justice Leiataualesa Daryl Clarke handed down the decision more than two weeks after the case concluded. 

Justice Clarke in delivering the decision said the petition should have never been filed in the first place.

He said the electoral court had already ruled on similar cases brought before the courts after the General Election in 2021.
He then explained that the court had already recognised that giving money during roadshows and presentation prior to polling day are all part of Samoa’s traditions and culture.

He thought the petition was a waste of time and that the court could have used the time for other cases.

Outside of the courtroom, Lautimuia who has already been sworn-in as a member of parliament was happy, humbled and relieved. 

He then attributed his win to all the mothers in his family, constituency and Samoa. 

“I feel very happy for my supporters and those who have been praying for me since the proceedings of this case started. 
“So many people were right behind me and have been praying for this day, so I dedicated this win to them,” he said.

Lautimuia said the feeling of winning was all too familiar to him as if he had just won the election again.

“It's not different from how I felt when the results were announced after the by-election in February," he said.

“Right from the start, we prayed and trusted God to be at the forefront and lead the way for us. 

“So we did what we had to do, with the belief that whatever answer or outcome we get, it would come from him and what he wants for me. 

“So today, I feel very humbled with the outcome we got. We know for a fact that this is God’s will. We can never thank him enough for choosing me and for guiding me through this journey."

When asked whether he was nervous while waiting for the decision, Lautimuia said “not really. "

“It was not a nerve-wrecking experience for him. As I said, we believed and had faith that whatever the outcome would be, we will just obey, listen and accept it.

“But we believe that this is God’s will and we will serve him well.”

Lautimuia then used the opportunity to thank all of his relatives near and far, his wife and children, members of his constituency and Samoa.

“I know it hasn’t been an easy journey for us, we all waited patiently for this day and today, we give thanks to God for his many blessings upon us.”

The courtroom was packed with members of Lautimuia’s family as well as people from Vaimauga No.3.

Lautimuia was represented in court by counsel Fetu Lagaaia while Fuimaomo Sefo Ainuu stood for Samau.