A witness told the Electoral Court on Thursday that he accepted money from former member of parliament Lea’ana Ronnie Posini during the 2025 General Election campaign, even though he believed it was a bribe.

The election petition and counter petition hearing between Lea'ana and Safata No.1 MP and Minister of Environment Anapu Seve Te’i continued on Thursday before Justice Vui Clarence Nelson.

Lea’ana initially filed a petition accusing Anapu of six counts of bribery during the 2025 General Election. Anapu countered with a petition alleging 30 counts of bribery and treating against Lea’ana, supported by 20 witnesses.

“Whether it was right or wrong, I still accepted it,” said Tulolo Sinapao Sauiluma, 59, of Sataoa, one of five witnesses who testified for Anapu. 

On Thursday, witnesses from the village of Sataoa described two key events involving cash handouts linked to Lea’ana’s campaign efforts. The court heard that the first meeting occurred on 14 July 2025, during which Lea’ana reportedly gave $5,000 to the village after a formal gathering. The money was distributed among chiefs, women’s committees, youth, and other village leaders.

Tulolo said he received $40 at the 14 July event and another $40 during a follow-up meeting on 27 July at the District Council office. Though the second payment was announced as coming from the District Council, Tulolo believed it was actually from Lea’ana.

“It was illegal, it was bribery, but my only thought was that I should get my share,” Tulolo testified.

Other witnesses echoed similar experiences. Tamalemai Apelu Tautala, 67, said he received $30 and recalled Lea’ana speaking about a promised $10 million compensation fund for disaster relief, pensions, and road improvements.

Tunumafono Siitu Sanerivi, 52, confirmed she got $20 on 14 July and $40 on 27 July. “It was bribery,” she said. “But when everyone else accepted it, what’s the point in saying no?”

 Vainea Ropi Sauiluma, 54, the village mayor, said he received $100 and was responsible for notifying the village about the 14 July meeting. “That kind of money close to elections is not a coincidence,” he told the court.

Muagututia Nifo Katopau, 60, said he accepted $50, acknowledging it was wrong but adding, “Only a fool would turn it down.”

Justice Nelson adjourned the hearing to Friday at 10 am, when more witnesses supporting Anapu are expected to appear.

Compensation promises

Justice Vui Nelson directed counsel for Anapu, Mapusua Tanya Toailoa, to assist the court regarding alleged promises made by former MP Leaana Ronnie Posini in Anapu’s counter-petition on Thursday.

Justice Vui noted that multiple affidavits from witnesses for Anapu referred to alleged promises by Leaana, including a pledge of $10 million for Safata No. 1 in compensation for the Manawanui disaster, with a reference that Leaana’s son worked at the Ministry of Finance and could ensure the payment. The affidavits also mentioned other alleged promises made by the former MP.

Justice Vui observed that these promises were not included in the 30 formal allegations of bribery by Anapu against Leaana. He said the court cannot ignore the alleged promises and directed Mapusua Tanya Toailoa to confirm whether they would be included in the allegations as bribery. Mapusua Tanya Toailoa responded that they would be, citing the relevant section of the Electoral Act that supports including such promises as part of formal allegations.

The judge confirmed that the promises will now be included in the counter-petition, leaving only final submissions to be made.

When contacted by the Samoa Observer, Lea'ana's lawyer Faimalomatumua Mathew Lemisio confirmed there will be final submissions on the matter.