Bribery & Corrupt Practices Proven – Vaimauga 3 back to a by-election

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, SAMOA – 29 June 2026: The Supreme Court today declared the Vaimauga 3 constituency parliamentary seat void after their Member of Parliament, Lautimuia Uelese Vaai was found guilty of corrupt and illegal practises.

Ten allegations of corrupt and illegal practices against Lautimua were proven beyond reasonable doubt.

The allegations against Lautimuia stemmed from giving money to voters at a meeting held at Leone, Matautu-tai and Vaoala.

Lautimuia, won last months by-election by a huge margin and was sworn in last month and spoke on the Budget that parliament passed last Thursday night.

Also found guilty is the Petitioner, Taioaliiseu Fiti Aimaasu on 4 allegations of corrupt and illegal practises.

Three parliamentary seats are now vacant with Safata 1 going to a by election in July after its MP resigned from the HRPP and switched allegiances to the ruling FAST Party.

This morning, the court dismissed the motion by the Falealili 1 MP for a judicial review based on constitutional rights, meaning the Electoral Court s decision that found the MP guilty of bribery is upheld and voids the seat.

The Court will inform the Speaker on todays two court decisions which will effectively call for by elections.

The court decision rules out the parties from running as candidates in the upcoming election.

CLICK to Access the Full Court Decision – Judgment – Vaimauga 3 – Taioaliiseu Aimaasu v Lautimuia Uelese Vaai