Election Candidate in PM’s Constituency challenge his Banishment from the Village

APIA, SAMOA – 16 JULY 2020:  The Tu’ulā family of Saleapaga village is awaiting the Lands and Titles Court decision over their challenge of the decision by two village chiefs to ban them from the village.

Leading the challenge in court this week, was Tu’ulā Kiliri Lafi Tuitui, a two time election candidate for the constituency of Lepa, and is hoping to contest the seat currently held by Prime Minister Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi in next April’s general election.

The Court documents stated that since the 2016 general election, Tu’ulā has been encouraged by Sagale and Sogiatavai to come join the Sa Sagale and Sa Tavai families umbrella.

The Tu’ulā family declined hence the banishment.

The respondents argued that inviting the Tu’ulā family as part of the Sagale and Sogimatavai families was for the sake of unity.

Tu’ulā’s side however argued that all parties are not blood related so they can’t see the logic behind this explanation.

Tu’ulā and his family then took the matter to court to clarify the real reasons behind the banishment.

The Lands and Titles Court will deliver its decision next week.

Sagale Lauiliu (white shirt facing camera) and family supporters outside court.

Outside Court, Tu’ula Kiliri was heard calling out to one of the respondents that he plans to contest the constituency’s seat in next year’s elections.

Tu’ulā tried to contest the seat in the 2011 general election, but before the election, Tuilaepa took legal action claiming Tu’ulā was not eligible based on monotaga or service rendered to the village.

The court ruled in favour of the petitioner and Tu’ulā was disqualified.

He tried again in the 2016 general election, but again challenged on the monotaga issue. He was qualified again and Tuilaepa ran unopposed in the 2016 general election.

After this week’s court case, Tu’ulā did not want to comment  until the decision is delivered.