Opposition leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi has commended Fa’asaleleaga No. 2 Member of Parliament (MP) Vaaelua Senetenari Samau for pressing ahead with his counter-petition in an unprecedented case stemming from the general election, despite the original petitioner’s decision to withdraw.

The case began when defeated candidate Magele Sekati Fiaui filed an election petition against Vaaelua, challenging the outcome in the Fa’asaleleaga No. 2 constituency. Magele later sought to withdraw his petition, but Vaaelua opted to continue with his counter-petition, a move Tuilaepa described as both principled and historic.

“This is the first time something like this has happened, where a defeated candidate takes the winning candidate to court and then wants to withdraw, but the winning candidate insists on continuing,” Tuilaepa said. “These are the kinds of MPs we need today, those who stand for what is right, because Vaaelua knows there was no truth in the allegations against him.”

Tuilaepa also voiced concerns about growing reports of financial inducements surrounding electoral petitions, claiming that some petitioners and witnesses have been offered money to withdraw or withhold evidence.

“There are cases where money, even up to $100,000, is being offered to withdraw petitions or silence witnesses,” he alleged. “What’s most troubling in the Fa’asaleleaga No. 2 matter is that Magele wanted to withdraw his petition in exchange for Vaaelua convincing another HRPP member, Tuiloma Laniselota Lameko, to drop his case against Deputy Prime Minister Toelupe Poumulinuku Onesemo. The electoral petition process is being used as a way to make money.”

The opposition leader said Vaaelua’s decision to move forward was a demonstration of integrity and respect for due process. “He is setting an example for others, to uphold the truth and the integrity of Samoa’s democracy,” Tuilaepa said.

The Fa’asaleleaga No. 2 election petition remains before the Electoral Court and continues at 10 am on Friday, 7 November.