Campaign committee members for former Safata No. 1 candidate Lea’ana Ronnie Posini admitted in the Electoral Court on Friday that they received cash payments during campaign meetings, as the hearing for member of parliament Anapu Seve Te’i’s counter petition continued.

Among the witnesses was Ramona Saumatofa, who told the court she attended three meetings at the District Council office between July and August 2025. She said $1,500 was distributed at each meeting, and she personally received $50 each time. “I was part of the committee, but we had no actual work to do. The money we received was inducement,” she said.

During cross-examination, Saumatofa agreed that bribery was “not a good thing.”

Teofilo Leituala Falefia, 42 years old from Lotofagā, also testified that he received $50 at three separate meetings. “Since I was appointed to the committee, I had no work to do, so I consider the money I received to be an inducement,” he said, admitting he ultimately supported Anapu during the election.

Another witness, Faaita Iese, 33, from Lotofagā, confirmed receiving $50 at three campaign meetings. She said she was pressured by her village to join the committee. “I knew it was wrong, but I accepted the $50 to pay for my transport home,” she told the court.

Toetagataolealataua Laupama Afemata, 45, from Sataoa, said he attended a meeting on 14 July at the home of Afemata Falemalu, where Lea’ana spoke about a proposed $10 million compensation for Manawanui. He did not receive any money that day but said others, including his sister, did. He later received $50 during a campaign survey event in August.

All witnesses who testified on Friday appeared in support of Anapu Seve Te’i’s counter petition.

The matter was adjourned to Monday, when Lea’ana Ronnie Posini’s witnesses are scheduled to appear before the Electoral Court to respond to the counter petition.