Court Questions if former Safata MP’s $10M Election Promise is Bribery

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, Samoa – 16 October 2025 – Two witnesses gave evidence in court today that the former Member of Parliament for Safata 1, Leaana Ronnie Posini promised the district $10 million tala should they vote for the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) in last August’s general election.

The witnesses testified that Leaana told the district that the $10M is part of HRPP’s manifesto and is compensation for the HMNZS Manawanui that sank off the coast of the Safata constituency.

The witness also said that the election candidate assured the district that his son works at the Ministry of Finance (MOF) and will assist them in getting that money.

The promise of $10M is included in the affidavits of witnesses Tamalema’i Apelu Tautala and Tunumafono Siitu Sanerivi both of Sataoa, one of the villages of the Safata 1 constituency.

The witnesses testified for the Minister of the Environment, Seve Te’i Fuimaono’s counter petition against Leaana Ronnie Posini.

“You think $10M is bribery?”
The Court however noted that counsel representing the counter petition against Leaana did not raise any question regarding the $10M tala promise made.

Presiding Justice Vui Clarence Nelson wanted to know the relevance of the $10M promise to the bribery allegations and why counsel, Maposua Tanya Toailoa has not raised the issue.

Maposua responded that she highlighted it because it was mentioned as part of HRPP’s manifesto at the village meeting but was not sure if it constituted bribery.

“It is also not a part of the allegation against the Petitioner,” said Maposua.

“You think $10M is a bribery?” asked Justice Vui.

“It can be but is not part of our argument, and I was not sure if the court would see it as what may constitute bribery,” said Mapusua.

“That is for the court to decide,” said Justice Nelson.

He told counsel that the court cannot ignore the fact that the $10M promise is part of the evidence, a promise to secure the district’s future which amounts to bribery and it needs to be addressed.

Justice Nelson told counsel that she has been forewarned, and she needs to address it.

The election promise of $10M tala is included in the affidavits of 67 year old witness Tamalema’i Apelu Tautala of Sataoa village.

District Council funds allegedly gifted to voters 
Tunumafono who is the Secretary of the Mafutaga a Tina a Sataoa said she attended a meeting at the District Council (Fono Faavae) office on 27 July 2025.

She was not aware of any meeting, but she saw a crowd gathering at the Fono Faavae office and decided to check it out.

Inside the Office was Leaana and several members of his campaign committee.

The issue discussed was the HRPP manifesto which ended with Leaana reminding voters to “Palota ma le Atamai” – (Vote Wisely).

It was after Leaana’s speech that $1500 was distributed to people at the meeting.

Tunumafono told the court that one of Leaana’s committee member, Fotu Tupe told them that the $1500 was not from Leaana but from the Fono Faavae.

Under cross examination by defence counsel, both Tamalema’i and Tunumafono agree that bribery is “leaga toe lelei” – (good and bad).

Defence counsel Fuimaono Sefo Ainuu put to both witnesses that if bribery is not a good thing, why accept the money.

Sixty seven year old Tamalema’i responded, “Yes, it is not good” but “everyone was getting money, so why not me too” which radiated a light-hearted moment inside court and smiles on the Judges faces.

The case continues with six remaining witnesses to take the stand for the counter petition by Seve Te’i Fuimaono before the respondent – Leaana Ronnie Posini calls 17 witnesses in response.