18 Apr 2016

Another Samoa election petition withdrawn

10:58 am on 18 April 2016

An election petition against one of the five women elected in Samoa this year has been dropped after mediation.

Aliimalemanu Alofa Tu'u'au had been accused of bribery and treating involving money by a former ruling HRPP MP, Lafaitele Patrick Leiataualesa.

Our correspondent said some chiefs and orators of the Alataua i sisifo constituency put pressure on the petitioner for the matter to be settled out of court.

It ws the fourth election petition filed by a ruling party election candidate to have been withdrawn.

The two remaining cases are due to be heard in court tomorrow.

It includes a petition filed by the former opposition leader, Palusalue Faapo II, who did not make it back in the election.

MP, Aliimalemanu Alofa tu'uau (L) and and former MP, Lafaitele Patrick Leiataualesa, (far R) with supporters in court.

Lafaitele Patrick Leiataualesa and Aliimalemanu Alofa Tu'u'au settle out of court Photo: RNZI/Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia