Former MP asked to refrain from Village Activities

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 16 JUNE 2021: The former Member of Parliament, Maualaivao Patelesio Ah Him has been asked by the Alii ma Faipule of Malie village to refrain from attending village activities for a period of time.

This is due to tension caused by the recent election petition filed by Maualaivao against the districts elected member, Seiuli Ueligitone Seiuli.

Maualaivao accused Seiuli of bribery and treating during and before the general election on the 9 April 2021.

One of the village matai, Maualaivao Pepe Seiuli said Maualaivao has been “suspended” from the village until charges against him are finalized.

Asked what the charges are, he did not say specifically but said Maualaivao had been advised by the village not to do what he did, but did not listen.

However, the village chairman Si’a Afi Paese Faamausili said Maualaivao is not suspended nor banned as claimed by others.

Malie village matais consulting the petitioner and respondent outside court.

“The advice given Maualaivao was to give it time and let things settle from the election petition,” said Si’a.

He said he asked Maualaivao Ah Him not to attend any village activities or functions until things calm down.

Maualaivao was indeed asked not to pursue his election petition, however, he went ahead with it and that created tension within some of the villagers hence the advice not to attend village activities.

Si’a also confirmed that Maualaivao’s brother Muagututagata Peter Ah Him has not been banned or suspended as reported by others.

The Court has yet to rule on the election petition.