Two more election petitions withdrawn.

By Pai Mulitalo Ale 14 April 2016, 12:00AM

Two more election petitions have been withdrawn.

This means Falelatai and Samatau’s Member of Parliament, Taefu Lemi, and the Member of Parliament for Urban West, Faumuina Wayne Fong, will serve out their five-year terms in Parliament.

The decision to withdraw the petitions were announced in the Supreme Court yesterday. It follows another withdrawal in a petition involving the Speaker of Parliament, Leaupepe Toleafoa Fa’afisi.

The three petitions make up the six petitions filed with the Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration following the General Election on 4 March 2016.

Yesterday, the six petitions were mentioned before the Electoral Court presided over by the Chief Justice, His Honour Patu Tiava’asue Falefatu Sapolu and Justice Lesatele Rapi Vaai. 

The first matter was the petition filed by unsuccessful candidate, Anae Misa Anae against Taefu.

Lawyer Rosella Papali’i informed the Court that both parties had settled the matter and they would like to withdraw it. 

The second petition was filed by Urban West Seat candidate and former M.P., Maulaivao Pat Ah Him against Faumuina Wayne Fong and Falana’ipupu Dan Aiafi. 

The petitioner’s lawyer, Leiataualesa Jerry Brunt, informed the Court that the parties have resolved the matter and they have decided to withdraw the petition.

The last application was from the territorial constituency of Aana Alofi No.1 West. 

The election petition was filed by the unsuccessful candidate Aiono Tile Gafa against the Speaker of the House Leaupepe Toleafoa Faafisi for corrupt practices.

Leaupepe’s lawyer, Charlie Vaai, informed the Court that the matter had been settled and they would like to have the pettion withdrawn.

In response, Chief Justice Patu informed the counsels that the withdrawal procedure will take about two weeks. 

The court will officially declare the petition withdrawn when the matters are re-mentioned on 29 April 2016 at 12:30pm. 

By Pai Mulitalo Ale 14 April 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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