Lautimuia unaware of the election period time frame

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, SAMOA – 15 June 2026: The former Minister of Finance, Lautimuia Uelese Vaai has admitted in court that he was not aware of the election period time frame. He was giving evidence in the electoral petition where he is accused of bribery in last month’s Vaimauga 3 by-election where he was duly elected and sworn in.

Justice Loau Donald Kerslake was prompted to read out a section from the Electoral Act that differentiates the election campaign and election period time frame.

In his evidence in chief, Lautimuia admitted that he visited voter Tualagi Leaupepe on Thursday 30 April 2026, the day before the by-election on 1 May 2026 and that he gave Tualagi money.

Justice Kerslake put to Lautmuia that for a seasoned parliamentarian, he took a risk when he visited Tualagi the day before the election which could be seen as an adverse action towards him.

Lautimua has competed in four elections since 2016 and was successful in two by elections in 2023 and May 2026 and was Minister of Finance from 2023 to 2025.

Lautimuia believed his presence at Tualagi’s home was not only because he was invited by Tualagi but would not have any impact on the election.

“This has nothing to do with the election,” Lautimuia told the court.

“What is your understanding of the election campaign period?” asked Justice Kerslake.

“It is the faalauiloa (awareness),” said Lautimuia.

“What about the election period?” asked Justice Kerslake.

It took awhile for Lautimuia to respond then Justice Kerslake read from Section 100: Procurement of voting by unqualified voters of the Electoral Act where it states the election period.

Section 100 Procurement of voting by unqualified voters

Sec: 2 A candidate who during a period of election directly or indirectly, in person or through another person gives food, beverage, money or other valuables to a voter at a ceremony or activity is guilty of an illegal practice.

The judge also had Lautimuia read the same section.

Justice Kerslake then pointed out that the election period begins the day after the Electoral Commissioner published a notice.

In the case of Vaimauga 3 by-election, he said that the public notice for polling was published on the 6 April and was effective on the 7 April until 1 May 2026 after the by-election.

Justice Kerslake then asked Lautimuia if he was aware of this to which Lautimuia shook his head indicating a negative response.

Lautimuias lawyer Leiataualesa Komisi Koria then took the floor and said that his client was conscience of a response.

“That is why I am asking if he was aware of it,” responded Justice Kerslake.

Justice Fepuleai Ameperosa Roma then asked Lautimuia if he was “comfortable to answer the question.”

Lautmuia did not respond and Justice Kerslake said “Ia lelei.”

It was also the end of Lautimuia’s evidence in response to the Petitioners allegations.

The case continues this week with more witnesses in Lautiumia’s counter petition on bribery allegations.