The Supreme Court has declared two election candidates from Faleata 2 as ineligible to stand for the upcoming general elections.
An election challenge against Muaaufaalele Mary Faafouina Taeu and Ulugia Elon Betham has been upheld by the Court, finding the two candidates had not satisfied the provisions in the Electoral Act which requires monotaga or a minimum of 3 years service to thSe district.
Monotaga is considered served when a citizen actively participates in the Village Council of Matai, and/or through service as a member of a Church within the constituency.
Sooialo Wayne, the incumbent MP for Faleata 2 and had served the recent Parliamentary term as Samoa’s Minister for Commerce, Industry and Labour and Minister for Public Enterprises, had challenged the eligibility of Muaauaalele Mary of the FAST party and Ulugia Elon of HRPP for not having adequately served the monotaga requirement of the Act.
Outside Court the sole candidate and inevitable MP for Faleata 2 gave thanks to God, and said the Courts have answered according to the law.
Leatinuu said he was grateful for the outcome, and stressed that this what the Samoa Uniting Party stands for – the Rule of Law.
“It was my understanding of the law, and that was also the advice of my lawyer – that they did not satisfy the requirements..
“It is good to ask the Courts to clarify and make sure that we are following the rule of law.”
Samoa goes to the polls in two weeks on 29 August 2025. Leatinuu may well be the only relaxed uncontested candidate for the upcoming elections.
Public Notices
- Moomia e le Faamasinoga Mafuaaga Tatau e toe Faitau ai Palota mo Itumalo e 10 - September 10, 2025
- Vave ona talia ma faaulufale e Faumuina le ifoga a Alii ma Faipule o Safua - September 9, 2025
- Talosaga Faaolatane Fiu lea sa tū lua, ina ia Toe Faitauina Palota mo Palauli 2 - September 8, 2025
