Warrant of Election Issued for Falealupo’s Uncontested Seat

Tues 30 November 2021 Apia Samoa. A warrant of election signed by the Head of State was issued this morning for Fuiono Tenina Crichton of the Faatuatua i Le Atua Samoa ua Tasi party.

Fuiono was not included in the Warrant of Election issued on Monday night 29th November 2021 after the official results of the six by-elections were declared.

The Office of the Electoral Commission says Fuiono had been declared elected by a Public Notice issued on the 24th of November 2021 and that is why his warrant of election is being issued separately.

Falealupo was due to return to the polls, with two candidates registered by the OEC – Fuiono Tenina Crichton and Tuitogamanaia Dr Peniamina Junior Leavai. Fuiono was left unopposed when the Court overturned the candidacy of Tuitogamanaia on the basis he did not satisfy the religious monotaga or service rendered to the church.

The Warrant of Election dated today, 30 November 2021 declares Fuiono Tenina Crichton to serve as a Member of Parliament effective from Wednesday 24th November 2021. The other Warrant of Election which did not include Fuiono states those members listed are MPs effective 29th of November 2021.

Outside Court after he successfully challenged his only opponent, Fuiono acknowledged his supporters, and made special mention of village members from Sydney who had contributed to his cause. Fuiono also specially thanked his lawyer, Fuimaono Sarona Ponifasio, for the outcome of the Court battle.

Fuiono thanked the Prime Minister and FAST party and concluded by calling for peace within the district of Falealupo which had been divided over the court matter.

Fuiono with counsel Fuimaono Sarona Ponifasio and supporters outside Court Mon 22 Nov 2021. Ganasavea Manuia Tafeaga.

“E momoli le agaga faafetai i si o tatou itumalo sa nofo tapuai, lenei ua a’e male manuia le faatamasoa’alii, faafetai! Faapitoa le faafetai i le mafutaga Falealupo i Sydney i Ausetalia, faafetai i lo outou fesoasoani ua mafai ai ona faatino lenei faamoemoe. Faapitoa foi le faafetai i le faletua ia Fuimaono Sarona e tusa o le finauina o lenei mataupu. Faafetai foi i le tamaitai Palemia ma le faigamalo mo le tapuaiga. Lou itumalo pele, ia to’a pea le tai, ia maua pea le filemu..”