31 July 2025, Apia Samoa. The Supreme Court has dismissed a motion by Paloa Louis James Stowers, that sought to disqualify Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi as a Candidate for the upcoming general election.
Paloa was also ordered to pay costs of $2000 tala towards Lealailepule in the preliminary decision by Justices Leiataualesa Daryl Clarke and Loau Donald Kerslake.
Order
“For reasons which we are to publish in a full written decision by the Court in due course, the motion by the applicant challenging the decision of the Electoral Commissioner and seeking to disqualify the First Respondent as a candidate for election in the Electoral Constituency of Faleata No 3 is struck out in its entirety and dismissed.”
“Costs against the Applicant in the amount of $2000 tala is awarded to the First Respondent.”
Paloa Louis James Stowers had challenged the eligibility of Lealailepule Rimon Aiafi as a Candidate based on the minimum required number of days in Samoa.
Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi was represented in Court by Fuimaono Sefo Ainuu, while Paloa Louis James Stowers was represented by Maposua Tanya Toailoa.
Maposua had requested an opportunity to amend her client’s motion, however, the Court stated during deliberations that time was of the essence, and denied the request.
Lealailepule first entered Parliament in 2006 and has served 4 terms as the Member of Parliament for the Faleata 3 constituency.
The decision confirms Lealailepule and Paloa as the only two candidates for Faleata 3 in the upcoming general elections.
In a similar decision of the Supreme Court; a challenge by FAST candidate Ale Vena Ale against HRPP’s Pepe Christian Fruean has also been struck out and dismissed.
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