22 Mar 2016

Newly elected Samoa MP faces bribery allegations

12:24 pm on 22 March 2016

One of Samoa's newly elected woman MPs, Aliimalemanu Alofa Tuu'au, is facing allegations of bribery and treating.

Aliimalemanu Alofa Tuu’au and former cabinet minister Safuneitu'uga Pa'aga.

Aliimalemanu Alofa Tuu’au and former cabinet minister Safuneitu'uga Pa'aga. Photo: RNZI/ Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia

The first election petition was filed by the former MP of Alataua i Sisifo constituency, Lafaitele Patrick Leiataualesa, who was defeated in this month's general election.

Lafaitele alleged that money and food were given by Aliimalemanu to influence voters before the election.

Both parties were candidates for the ruling Human Rights Protection Party, which won 47 of parliament's 50 seats.

A date for the case to be mentioned in court has not yet been set because the deadline for election petitions to be filed is next week.

It is expected that more petitions will be filed.

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