Former Safata 1 MP Leaana Posini facing 30 bribery allegations

Apia, Samoa – 15 October 2025 – The former Safata 1 Member of Parliament, Leaana Ronnie Posini is facing 30 bribery allegations in a counter petition filed by the sitting MP, Seve Te’i Fuimaono.

The allegations infer election malpractices that happened prior to the August 2025 elections and the Applicant is calling 19 witnesses to testify.

The first witness, Muliaga Vaelua Taufa of Lotofagā told the court that on 13 June 2025, the village called a special meeting based on Leaana’s request.

He was late to the meeting and arrived as the ava usu (ceremony) was wrapping up, but before the ava usu, there was a brief o’o ceremony to accept a new matai title bestowed on a village young man.

He claimed Leaana gave the village of Lotofagā $5000 which was later distributed to several village sub-committees such as the women – Mafutaga Tina, untitled men – Taulelea, and the chiefs and orators – Matai.

He told the court that the $5000 was given as an acknowledgement of the village support for the past 5 years and it was also an opportunity for Leaana to remind them about the elections – “Tautuanā le palota.”

However, counsel for the respondent Fuimaono Sefo Ainuu put to Vaelua that the money was for the fa’aaloaloga – a traditional presentation by the village to Leaana when he visited.

He also told the court that Leaana’s reason for the visit was to thank them as he did not have a chance to do so in parliament after it was dissolved when the previous Government’s budget was rejected early this year.

Members of the Safata district and supporters for both parties making their through police security  to get inside the courtroom.

Several other witnesses also testified that they witnessed Leaana give money to voters and one incident recorded by Isaia Samuela of Sataoa village, took place at Afemata Falemalu’s home.

He said he was given money and although he knew it was for bribery, he however accepted it as he needed sugar that evening – “fia maua foi se suka o lena afiafi.”

Out of the 19 witnesses, 8 were called today with 11 more remaining.

One defence against the petition
Yesterday, the Petitioner, Leaana called 10 witnesses to testify against 6 bribery allegations against Seve and today, the Respondent produced only 1 witness in their defence.

The witness Taelega Tomaalealii Naumati was one of Seve’s campaign committee members and he testified that whilst he did not see Seve give money to Mati Time Iole, he however believe it could have happened without him noticing.

He also admitted to the court that on 28 August 2025, the eve before the election on 29 August, he did take Veni Lalogafa and Paulo Tolu to meet Seve at her house.

Justice Vui Carence Nelson wanted to know why he had specifically taken Veni and Paulo to see the candidate and why not other people.

“Veni is a cousin of mine and he requested to see Seve so I said that I would take him,” said Taelega.

However, the court noted that it was Taelega who initiated the meeting as noted in the text messages between himself and Veni.

Taelega denied it and told the court that whilst he agreed to take Veni, however, it was Veni who asked for a meeting.

The Safata 1 petition is the only one continuing this week after the Aiga ile Tai and Faasaleleaga 5 petitions were withdrawn yesterday.