Election petitions hearing on second week of October

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, SAMOA – 29 September 2025: The Electoral Court has set the timetable for the hearing of 8 election petitions implicating corrupt and malpractices in last months general elections to commence on 14 October 2025.

By then the parties involved in the petitions would have completed and filed affidavits in response to counter petitions within 5 days of service.

The court notes that time is of essence.

Hearing schedule for Week 1
First up on the first week of hearing is the petition by Mulipola Leiataualesa Laki against Speaker Auapaau Mulipola Aloitafua

Presiding will be His Honour Chief Justice Satiu Simativa Perese and Justice Fepuleai Amepersoa Roma.

The other hearing is by former Member of Parliament, Leaana Ronnie Posini against Cabinet Minister Seve Te’i Fuimaono of the Safata 1 constituency.

Presiding will be Senior Justice Vui Clarence Nelson and Justice Leiataualesa Daryl Clarke.

The third petition for the first week is by another former MP Magele Sekati Fiaui against Vaaelua Senetenari Samau of Faasaleleaga 2.

Presiding will be Justice Niava Mata Tuatagaloa and Justice Loau Donald Kerslake.

Schedule for Week 2
On Week 2, the hearing on 20 October 2025 is the petition by Fuimaono Maria Meredith against the Minister of Agriculture & Fisheries, Fuimaono Tito Asafo of Falealili 2.

The presiding judges are Chief Justice Perese and Justice Clarke.

The Vaimauga 2 petition by Tamaleta Taimang Jensen against sitting MP Lenatai Victor Tamapua will be heard before Justice Nelson and Justice Roma.

The final hearing for Week 2 is a petition by former MP, Peseta Vaifou Tevaga against new MP Vui Iiga Sione to be heard by Justice Tuatagaloa and Justice Kerslake.

Schedule for Week 3
The final week of hearing starting 27 October 2025 will be the petition by Tuiloma Lance Lameko against the Deputy Prime Minister Toelupe Poumulinuku Onesemo of Falealili 1.

It will heard by Justice Nelson and Justice Clarke.

The Faasaleleaga 3 petition filed by former Speaker, Papalii Li’o Taeu Masipau against Namulauulu Papalii Sami Leota will be heard before Justice Tuatagaloa and Justice Roma.

The Court notes that the start of matter in week 2 and 3 respectively is subject to the completion of previous matters and may not start before the scheduled dates without the consent of the parties.

“Judgements are to be delivered as they become ready,” says the Court.