The Human Rights Protection Party (H.R.P.P.) leaders met the Speaker of the House, Papalii Lio Masipau on Tuesday morning amid a prolonged dispute about how the party’s elected M.P.s should be sworn in.

At the Tofilau Eti building in Sogi, was the leader of the H.R.P.P. and former Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi was accompanied by deputy leader, Lauofo Fonotoe Lauofo and party secretary Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi. 

The meeting followed a letter from the Speaker that responded to two separate letters from the leader of the H.R.P.P. regarding the party’s unsworn members, or candidates who had prevailed in an election but were yet to take the Oath of Office. 

In those letters the H.R.P.P. had asked to be sworn in by the Head of State, his highness, Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aletoa Sualauvi II. 

The former ruling party also suggested that if that could not be done then the state opening of parliament should be done all over again so that the Head of State can swear-in the Speaker again and subsequently take the oath of allegiance for other members. 

Asked about the outcome of their meeting, Lealailpule was reluctant to comment. 

“That is the Constitution,” said the party secretary when asked if they have accepted the position from the Speaker that only he can swear-in their unsworn members. 

“I don’t know. It’s not finished yet, it’s ongoing.” 

Tuilaepa on the H.R.P.P. Facebook live being interviewed by Maiava Visekota Peteru said he will call a meeting with their members last night [Tuesday] regarding the meeting with the Speaker. 

He said the meeting will inform the members of the political development and what they proposed to do and ask for their blessing and guidance. 

“This is the way the H.R.P.P. has conducted its affairs with its members and it's all part of good governance.” 

About the meeting, the Speaker Papalii said the H.R.P.P. has accepted his letter of response and had asked for “small amendments” concerning their proposal to be sworn in. 

Papalii said he has not made a final decision regarding the unsworn members but referred to his letter that captured the spirit of his stance to work together for the betterment of the country. 

The letter from the Speaker placed emphasis on the law and parliament standing orders that require each member to uphold the law and safeguard the principles contained in the Constitution. 

He also noted his sympathies to the constituencies who have elected their leaders and expectations are for “us to work together yet this is not the case”. 

In relation to the request from H.R.P.P. to be sworn-in way after the expired 45 days required under the Constitution, Papalii said the law is silent on those who are not sworn-in after that. 

He added that his final decision will be made before Tuesday next week but maintains that it is important to work together and maintain the peace and uphold the law for the sake of the country.