The elected Member of Parliament for Sagaga No. 1, Loau Keneti Sio will stay in office after the Supreme Court this afternoondismissed allegations of corrupt practices mounted against his election.

A former Cabinet Minister for Education the final post-election petition verdict means the Human Rights Protection Party (H.R.P.P.) failed to remain in Government and has a guaranteed hold on aremaining 18 seats in the House.

Loau was challenged by Papalii Tavita Moala that contested under the Fa’atuatua ile Atua Samoa ua Tasi banner.

The Chief Justice, His Honour, Satiu Simativa Perese and Justice Tafaoimalo Leilani Tuala-Warren delivered the decision on Tuesday afternoon.

Chief Justice Perese concluded that the allegations in the petition and the counter petition were not proven beyond reasonable doubt and therefore dismissed.

Loau was represented by lawyers Aumua Ming Leung Wai and Lucy Sio-Ofoia. Leiataualesa Komisi Koria and Pose Toma acted for Papalii. 

The F.A.S.T. party has taken over from the 40 year old former Government after winning 25 seats and gaining the support of an independent M.P. who has joined the party.

The F.A.S.T. party managed to retain all its seats despite some 14 of its winning M.Ps had their victori subject .