FAST files motion to have HRPP woman member’s election declared void

HRPP member, Aliimalemanu Momoemausu Alofa Tuuau whom FAST is seeking to have her appointment declared void.

APIA, SAMOA – 21 APRIL 2021: The FAST political party has responded to last night’s appointment of a sixth woman member of parliament by filing two motions for court Declaratory Orders to have the appointment void.

In a press statement today, the party said:

“In response to the Public Announcement on Facebook by the Office of the Electoral Commission last night 20 April 2021, announcing the activation of Article 44(1A) of the Constitution of the Independent State of Samoa, Faatuatua I le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) Party has filed a Motion for Declaratory Orders to declare the activation of Article 44(1A) as unlawful and unconstitutional and to declare the warrant issued by the Head of State appointing one more woman to Parliament as unlawful and void.

“FAST believes that the Constitution is clear and unambiguous, that the minimum number of women is clearly defined and prescribed in the Constitution as 5 and as has been met by the 5 women who were successful after the General Elections 2021.

“Further, FAST has also filed a Motion for Declaratory Orders to declare that the election of Peseta Vaifou Tevagaena as void given that he possess a previous conviction within the last 10 years, for an offence that carries a maximum penalty of 5 years imprisonment, and therefore should never have been accepted by the Office of the Electoral Commission as a candidate for the General Elections 2021.

“FAST prays for our people’s continuing patience and calm while we try to ensure that any threat to the integrity of our General Elections is removed and that the justice perseveres in our democracy. God bless Samoa.”

Following the 9 April official election results, the seats in parliament are in a 26-26 tie between HRPP and FAST and the balance now hangs on the court’s decision on the two motions.