Court

Vaimauga 3 MP confirmed as Court dismisses election petition

Published

1 year ago

May 12, 2023

Vaimauga 3 Member of Parliament, Lautimuia Uelese Vaai surrounded by women supporters outside court after the decision was delivered.

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA- 12 MAY 2023: Lautimuia Uelese Vaai has been confirmed as Member of Parliament for Vaimauga 3 as the Electoral Court this afternoon dismissed the petition filed by the unsuccessful Human Rights Protection Party candidate, Samau Letigagaeono Timani.

“The petition is dismissed in its entirety as the allegations are not being proven beyond reasonable doubt,” said Justice Leiataualesa Daryl Clarke.

The Court also dismissed the counter petition by Lautimuia against Samau for the same reason that allegations were not proven.

“The petition to its extent and the counter petition should not be brought to Court as they are basic customary practises in our tu ma le aganuu fa’a Samoa,” said Justice Clarke.

The Court believes its time would have been more wisely utilised in solving general matters already in the court.

Senior Justice Vui Clarence Nelson and Justice Clarke presided over the hearing. Counsels Fuimaono Sefo Ainu’u represented Samau and Laga’aia Fetu Laga’aia for Lautimuia.