Samoa’s judiciary has ruled against the Office of the Electoral Commission’s appointment of the sixth woman MP under Article 44(1a) of the country’s constitution citing the appointment and seat as void.
Justices Niava Mata Tuatagaloa, Lesatele Rapi Vaai, and Vui Clarence Nelson presided over the Faatuatua I le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) challenge of the appointment of the sixth woman MP, candidate for the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) Ali’imalemanu Alofa Tuuau, when on 20 April the Head of State signed a warrant of election appointing the former HRPP Party MP.
Today’s decision was delivered by Justice Lesatele Rapi Vaai at midday.
CLICK FOR THE FULL DECISION COURT DECISION FAST Party & Anor v Electoral Commissioner & Anor Decision (Courtesy of Talamua Online)
In another ruling this afternoon voters will not have to go to the polls this Friday.
Local media in Samoa reported the Supreme Court has ruled that the constitution of Samoa does not give the Head of State the authority to void the results of the April 9 general elections and call new elections. His Highness the Head of State Tuimalealiifano Va’aletoa Sualauvi II addressed the country on May 4 to call for fresh elections on May 21.
The presiding justices were the Chief Justice Satiu Simativa Perese, Vui Clarence Nelson, and Tafaoimalo Leilani Tuala Warren.
It is expected that the 28 electoral petitions will proceed.
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