Parliament Convenes Monday as Court Rules Against HRPP Appeal

FAST Deputy Leader, Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao with lawyers Mauga Precious Chang and Muriel Lui and candidate Veatauia Puleiata outside court.

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 21 MAY 2021: The Court of Appeal has dismissed the appeal by the Human Right Protection Party to stay the execution of the Supreme Court’s decision that voided the appointment of the 6th woman Member of Parliament, Ali’imalemanu Alofa Tu’u’au.

The decision by the panel of three judges, Justice Tafaoimalo Leilani Tula Warren, Justice Fepulea’i Ameperosa Roma was delivered by His Honour, the Chief Justice Satiu Simativa Perese

Decision

• The applications by the First and Second Appellants for a stay of execution of the judgment of the Supreme Court dated 17 May 2021 are dismissed;
• Costs are awarded in the amount of $5,000 against the First and Second Appellants in favour of the Respondents, to be paid within 30 days of the date of judgment.

The Appellants were Ali’imalemanu Alofa Tu’u’au and the Office of the Electoral Commissioner.

The Respondents were the Faatuatua I le Atua Samoa ua Tasi – FAST Party and Alataua West MP Seu’ula Ioane who defeated Alimalemanu in the 9 April election.

After the decision was delivered, FAST Deputy leader, Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao acknowledged the service rendered by FAST’s legal team and also the support from the country.

He also acknowledged HRPP and Caretaker Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi.

“Despite the differences in our beliefs and difficulties we faced as we went through these challenges, we after all are one family,” said La’auli.

He also acknowledged the Head of State for convening Parliament next Monday.

As seen in the court house since Monday, after every FAST victory in court, the supporters burst out in song, hymns and prayers of thanksgiving outside court.

The victory now confirms the FAST party’s majority in Parliament and launches major and historical developments in Samoa’s modern political history.

• Samoa will now have its very first female Prime Minister in Fiame Naomi Mataafa as the FAST Party leader;
• The FAST victory unseats one of the longest serving Prime Ministers, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi who held the office for 22 years in his party, HRPP’s 40 year rule.