1 Jul 2021

Third by-election now looming in Samoa

9:31 am on 1 July 2021

Another by-election is looming in Samoa after a further two MPs agreed to drop their electoral petitions, this time in the Falealupo seat.

The caretaker HRPP government's electorate winner and the FAST party candidate have agreed to drop claims of bribery and treating against each other.

FAST's Fuiono Tenina Crichton withdrew his petition against Leota Tima Leavai on condition she would not contest a by-election, reports the Samoa Observer.

Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, left, and Fiame Naomi Mata'afa

Photo: RNZ Pacific / Tipi Autagavaia

It follows a similar case yesterday in the Sagaga No 4 seat where both candidates dropped their petitions and agreed to return for a by-election.

The withdrawal of Leota in Falealupo reduces the number of women's seats in the new parliament to four - now two short of the constitutional threshold.

It means the outgoing HRPP government has 22 seats to FAST's 26 with three by-elections to come and parliament due to sit by Monday at the latest.

But the caretaker prime minister Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi remains fixed on parliament not meeting unless all 51 MPs are present.

Such an approach risks contempt charges from the Supreme Court.

The chairman and founder of FAST, Laauliale Malietoa Leuatea Polataivao, said he believes these MPs are concerned for the potential impact on their legal careers.

"What ever outcome of their court case it might affect [their position as lawyers]. If they are not in favour with their case I can see their profession as lawyers would be affected, in whichever decision will come out." Laauli said

Laauli said FAST believe seats will come their way through the petitions process.

He is confident the three by-elections that have resulted so far will fall to FAST because, he said, the mood in Samoa has moved towards his party during the political impasse.

RNZ Pacific has sought the views of the HRPP leader, Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi on this matter but has been told he is not yet ready to comment.

Keeping government funded

But Tuila'epa has issued a statement saying there are provisions within the constitution that allow his administration to continue to fund state services.

He announced this as the country approached the last day of its fiscal year, 30 June.

Tuila'epa said despite the ongoing political dispute in the country, the government was able to approve unappropriated public spending under warrants certified by the Audit Office and approved by the Head of State.