Hearing starts for 3 former HRPP MPs

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 06 JUNE 2023: The hearing of the Speakers legal action against three former Human Rights Protection Party Members of Parliament Ale Vena Ale, Tu’u’u Anasi’i Leota and Mau’u Siaosi Pu’epu’emai started in the Supreme Court today.

The MPs competed in the 2021 general election under the HRPP flag and resigned from the party last year.

According to the Electoral Act 2020, when an MP resigns from a political party he or she registered and competed under an election, a by-election is then warranted.

However, when the MPs resigned, the Speaker activated the Act and informed them of vacating their seats, but the MPs cited their human rights being affected by the Act which was amended just before the 2021 general election hence the Speaker taking legal action.

Recently, the Court denied an application by the HRPP party to be a joiner in the hearing and allowed them as an intervener with limited areas to respond to.

Such areas include the allegations by the three MPs that the amendment to the Electoral Act 2020 under the HRPP Government was done with “bad intention and ulterior motives.”

The hearing continues.