The election petition challenging the victory of Speaker of Parliament Auapa’au Mulipola Aloitafua has been formally withdrawn, with both parties agreeing to end their legal battle in the spirit of reconciliation and village unity.

The petition was filed by opposition candidate and former MP, Mulipola Leiataualesa Laki, following the 29 August general election for the Aiga i le Tai constituency. However, a joint notice filed in the Supreme Court this week confirmed that both the petition and counter-petition have been withdrawn by mutual agreement.

According to the motion, the decision reflects the wishes of the Aiga i le Tai constituency “to settle their differences out of court for the promotion of peace and harmony within their constituency and villages.” The parties also stated that the withdrawal was “in the best interest of both parties as well as their respective constituency.”

 Chief Justice Satiu Simativa Perese presided over the proceedings on Tuesday and granted leave for the withdrawal. The court directed the parties to advertise a formal notice of withdrawal, with the matter to return on 23 October to confirm compliance.

The pulenu’u (village mayor) of Salua appeared in court, emphasising that both the Speaker and petitioner are from the same village and that their community values respect for the office of Parliament’s Speaker.

The joint motion also notes that both the petitioner and respondent agreed to bear their own legal costs, signalling an amicable resolution between the parties.

The case is one of several election petitions filed after the August polls. Three petitions were heard simultaneously in separate Supreme Court rooms this week, with reports suggesting that more may be withdrawn soon.