Peseta Vaifou Tevagaena of the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) has withdrawn his election petition against Vui Iiga Sione Iiga of the Fa’atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) Party for the Faasaleleaga No.5 constituency.

The matter came before Justices Niava Mata Tuatagaloa and Loau Donald Kerslake in the Supreme Court on Tuesday. Earlier, Vui had given a notice about withdrawing his counter petition.

Justice Tuatagaloa noted that costs relating to the matter will be claimed, referring to the security costs deposited by both parties. The specific amounts are expected to be confirmed by the court on Friday, 17 October.

"The court is going to claim the cost regarding this matter, this is regarding the security cost that has been deposited by both parties," said Justice Tuatagaloa. 

Peseta and Vui's petitions were among the three election petitions heard in different Supreme Court rooms on Tuesday, with one other petition officially withdrawn before the bench.

Meanwhile, in a document filed on 10 October 2025, Vui, through his legal counsel Lui and Chang Barristers and Solicitors, informed the court that he would apply for leave to withdraw the counter-petition at least one week after 14 October 2025. The notice states that both parties have reached an agreement to settle their differences “in promotion of peace and harmony within their electoral constituency and villages.”

According to the filing, continuing with the election petition proceedings “would be contrary to the promotion of peace and harmony within the Electoral Constituency of Faasaleleaga 5.” The document further notes that both Vui and Peseta share a “common objective for peace and harmony” and have therefore agreed to end their legal dispute.

The respondent also cited the need to save the court’s time and resources, emphasising that “both parties have settled” and that the decision to withdraw was made “in the best interest of both parties as well as their respective constituency.”

The notice additionally advises that any person who could have presented initially the counter-petition may apply to the Registrar of the Supreme Court at Mulinuu for permission to be substituted as the counter-petitioner when the withdrawal application is heard.

Counsel Fuimaono Sefo Ainuu represented Peseta, while Muriel Lui represented Vui.

According to the Election Petition Court schedule, hearings for other pending election petitions will continue over the coming weeks. From 20–24 October, the court will hear cases for the Falealili 1 constituency — Tuiloma Tusa Laniselota Lameko v. Toelupe Maoiautele Poumulinuku — and for Faasaleleaga 3 — Papali’i Lio Oloipola Taeu Masipau v. Namulauulu Papali’i Leota Sami Leota.

Between 27–31 October, the petition for the Vaimauga 2 constituency — Tamaleta Taimang Jensen v. Lenatai Victor Faafoi Tamapua — will be heard.

The final week of hearings, from  3–7 November, will see two remaining petitions: Falealili 2 — Fuimaono Maria Tuatagaloa Meredith v. Fuimaono Maiava Tito Asafo and Faasaleleaga 2 — Magele Sekati Fiaui v. Vaaelua Senetenari Samau.