Chief Justice Confirms Election Petitions will Proceed

Chief Justice, His Honour Satiu Simativa Perese with the Head of State, Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aleto’a Sualauvi 11.

APIA, SAMOA – 06 MAY 2021: The Chief Justice, His Honour Satiu Simativa Perese has confirmed that the 28 electoral petitions already filed in court, will proceed.

In a Minute dated 5 May titled “MINUTE CONCERNING ELECTORAL PETITONS AND IN THE MATTER OF F.A.S.T PARTY v ATTORNEY GENERAL, ELECTORAL COMMISSIONER & ALIIMALEMANU MOTI AOFA TUUAU” and addressed to the Samoa Law Society, Attorney General’s Office and Law Firms, he confirmed that “The petitions, and the matter of F.A.S.T Party v AG and Others, are matters of which the Supreme Court is seised.”

“There are twenty-eight (28) electoral petitions, fled pursuant to Part 14 of the Electoral Act 2019, presently before the Supreme Court. The Court has issued a Practice Note directing that counter petitions together with the evidence relied on, be filed and served within five (5) working days of service of the petitions.”

He also directed Counsels to continue to prepare the petitions and counter petitions for hearing.

“Should any party wish to withdraw their petition, an application is required for leave to withdraw pursuant to the Electoral Petitions Rules 1964. The next callover for the electoral petitions is scheduled for 12 May 2021, Wednesday at 2 pm.

“The matter of F.A.S.T Party v AG and Others will continue to be heard by the Supreme Court and a judgement will issue in due course.”

Yesterday, the Attorney General submitted in Court to discontinue the substantive hearing proceedings of the FAST Party’s legal challenge following the Head of State announcing on Tuesday night, that the warrant of the election results have been “cancelled” and he called for new elections.