The Supreme Court has received applications to withdraw two election petitions filed following Samoa’s November by-elections.
The Sagaga 2 seat was secured by Maulolo Tavita Amosa who pulled 63 votes ahead of Faalogo Ivins Chan K Tong of FAST. Third placed Fata Ryan Schuster secured enough votes to bring an election petition against Maulolo. Maulolo in turn filed a counter petition against Fata Ryan.
For Falealili 2, Faatuatua i Le Atua Samoa ua Tasi’s Maiava Fuimaono Tito Asafo won the by-election against the Sui o le Nuu (SN) or Village Representative of Salesatele, Leleimalefaga Neemia. Leleimalegafa filed a petition against Maiava and a counter-petition was also filed against him.
In the Supreme Court on Monday morning lawyers for all parties submitted signed affidavits requesting the withdrawal of petitions.
Outside Court both Maulolo Tavita Amosa and Maiava Fuimaono Tito both said they were happy with the result. Both MPs were sworn in as members of Samoa’s Legislative Assembly in December and have delivered their maiden speeches.
“I have also agreed to withdraw my counter-petition,” said Maulolo. “The Court process requires the applications to be publicized for a week and the matter will be recalled next Wednesday”.
Fata Ryan Schuster declined to speak to the media outside Court except to say, the matter had not yet been finalised. “We’ll see you next week.”
“E lei uma le mataupu, tatou feiloai i le vaiaso fou”.
Maiava Fuimaono said he was happy with the result and thanked Leleimalefana Neemia for agreeing to withdraw petitions.
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