HRPP & reluctant witness now parties to the Falealili 1 Election Petition

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, Samoa – 14 November 2025: The HRPP witness who was reluctant to evidence yesterday, is now a party to the Falealili 1 election petition.

The witness Namulau’ulu Sami Leota has secured counsels Afa Lesa and Quentin Sauaga who represented him in court today.

The other three parties are HRPP, Tuiloma Lance Lameko the original petitioner and the Deputy Prime Minister Toelupe Poumulinuku Onesemo – the counter petitioner.

However, both Tuiloma and Toelupe are now respondents to HRPP who have been granted leave as an intervener in the case.

HRPP argument limit to the withdrawal issue
Chief Justice Satiu Simativa Perese informed HRPP counsel that their argument as an Intervener is limited to the issue of the withdrawal of the petition as the counsels representing Tuiloma and Toelupe agreed to.

His Honour noted that HRPP is relying on Namulau’ulu’s evidence.

When the matter was called yesterday, Unasa Iuni Sapolu represented Tuiloma however, counsel Alex Su’a and Rebecca Schuster appeared for Tuiloma today.

Alex was Tuiloma’s original lawyer but when HRPP wanted to join in Tuiloma’s side and to be represented by Alex, Tuiloma opposed.

The court then noted Alex’s conflict of interest as he cannot represent Tuiloma and HRPP at the same time, hence Tuiloma engaging counsel Unasa Iuni Sapoolu.

Chief Justice Perese told Alex that his conflict of interest has not been relieved and that Unasa should continue acting for Tuiloma.

Both Unasa and Toelupe’s counsel Muriel Lui informed the court yesterday of their consent for HRPP as an intervener but only on the withdrawal issue.

HRPP Secretary, Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi with party lawyers Faimalomatumua Matthew Lemisio and Lefau Francis Ainuu.

HRPP Secretary said Namulau’ulu provided evidence freely
Outside court, the HRPP Secretary Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi informed the media that he did not force Namulauulu’s affidavit nor collect any evidence for him as reported by Samoa Observer and Talamua Media.

He said Namulau’ulu never said that he (Leala) forced him to provide an affidavit nor signed it.

He is one of HRPP witnesses in the case and he will testify that he did ask Namulau’ulu if he wanted to participate in the case but he said no.

“He (Namulau’ulu) however provided the affidavit which he signed and all evidence but retained his stance that he did not want to appear in court,” said Leala.

In court yesterday, counsel Unasa made reference to Namulau’ulu being forced to provide an affidavit and that evidence provided were put together by the HRPP Secretary.

Counsel for HRPP, Faimalomatumua Mathew Lemisio voiced his concern over reports that Namulau’ulu’s affidavit was forced.

“This kind of reporting undermines the sensitivity of the issue,” he said.

New timetable for hearing
The court has issued a new timetable for all parties to follow and certain dates for them to submit copies of affidavits, responses and all necessary documents to the court and the case will be recalled on 3 December 2025.