Election Petition against FAST MP Withdrawn

Resolving to withdraw the petitions, elected member Vaele Paiaaua Iona Sekuini, lawyer Leiataualesa Komisi Koria and petitioner and former MP, So’oalo Feo Mene.

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 07 JUNE 2021: The election petition against the Fa’atuatua ile Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) Member of Parliament, Vaele Paiaaua Iona Sekuini has been withdrawn by the petitioner, former Gagaifomauga No.1. MP, So’oalo Feo Mene.

The application to withdraw was presented in Court today by Sooalo’s lawyer Afa Lesa.

The reasons for the withdrawal have not been publicized and the petitioner has until Tuesday next week to advertise the intention and reasons of withdrawal.

The counter petition against So’oalo was also withdrawn and the same order applies and counsel Leiataualesa Komisi Koria need to have their intention and reasons of withdrawal be advertised.

The petition was on allegations of corrupt practises during the general election against Vaele.

Fa’atuatua ile Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) Member of Parliament, Vaele Paiaaua Iona Sekuini and supporters leaving court.

Meanwhile, three separate election petitions are in progress at the Supreme Court, including the petition by former Cabinet Minister, Gatoloaifaana Amataga Gidlow of the Human Rights Protection Party against FAST MP elect, Magele Sekati Fiaui.

The other petition is between two HRPP members, former MP Maualaivao Pat Ah Him and the re-elected MP, Seiuli Ueligitone.