Petition Dismissed: FAST MP Magele Sekati Fiaui Retains Seat

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 21 JUNE 2021: FAST party’s youngest Member of Parliament, Magele Sekati Fiaui has retained the Fa’asaleleaga No.2. Parliamentary seat after the Supreme Court dismissed the election petition for bribery and treating against him this morning.

Former HRPP Cabinet Minister Gatoloaifaana Amataga Gidlow who lost to Magele in the April general elections, alleging six counts of bribery, one count of treating and one count of illegal activity.

Magele also filed a counter petition claiming five allegations of bribery on the part of the Petitioner.

In their decision, Chief Justice, Satiu Simativa Perese and Justice Tuala-Warren dismissed the petition in its entirety having not found the allegations to be proven beyond reasonable doubt.

Similarly, they dismissed the Counter-petition having not found beyond reasonable doubt the allegations made.

Each party will bear its own costs and the security costs paid by the Petitioner to be reimbursed.

Magele Sekati Fiaui, aged 35 is the youngest of the FAST Party MPs and the decision means he retains his seat.

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