Magele Sekati Found Guilty of Bribery Using Fono Faavae Funds

"The Court finds that the approval and signing of the Petitioner of cheques on the day of the pre-polling and two days prior to polling cannot be regarded as mere administrative procedure."

Staff Reporters

November 21, 2025

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Nine allegations of bribery against former MP for Faasaleleaga, Magele Sekati Fiaui were proven before the Supreme Court of Samoa in a decision delivered by Justice Leutele Niava Mata Tuatagaloa and Justice Loau Donald Kerslake on Friday afternoon.

Vaaelua Senetenari Samau maintains his seat for Faasaleleaga 2 after the Supreme Court exonerated him of all bribery allegations brought by the Petitioner, former FAST MP Magele Sekati Fiaui.

Magele Sekati Fiaui however, will not be eligible to run in an election for 10 years after the Court found that he had inappropriately used Fono Faavae district development funds to induce voters.

“The petition against the Respondent Vaaelua Senetenari Samau is dimmissed in its entirety,” reads the decision.

However, the Court found that nine counter allegations against Magele Sekati Fiaui, were proven beyond reasonable doubt.

“The Court finds that the approval and signing of the Petitioner of cheques on the day of the pre-polling and two days prior to polling cannot be regarded as mere administrative procedure,” reads the decision.

Costs were ordered against the petitioner, with Magele ordered to pay $3,000 to Vaaelua by 12 noon Monday, 24th of November. Magele’s $2000 deposit was also forfeited for Court costs.

The Court highlighted in their report to the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.

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The Court also raised concerns for the issuance of Fono Faavae funds by the petitioner during his campaign.

“We intend to raise with the Speaker in our report a number of issues identified in this case concerning the disbursement and issuance of Fono Faavae funds by a candidate under the guise of official duties..”

The Court makes two reccomendations:

1. Any Member of a Fono Faavae, including the chairperson and/or officers, who intends to contest the general elections must resign upon issuance of the writ of election

2. Section 12 of the Electoral Act be amended to expressly reflect the recommendation.

Asked outside Court about the 8 allegations proven in Court regarding the misuse of fono faavae funds for bribery, Magele said “he would look into it.”