HRPP Secures 18 Seats, Four Returned Unopposed

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Samoa’s ruling HRPP party has retained four seats in the 49 seat Parliament following yesterday’s Supreme Court decisions on six cases questioning the eligibility of some candidates.

The caretaker prime minister, Tuila’epa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, has won his Lepa constituency…his motion to disqualify his only opponent, Tu’ula Kiliri Lafi Tuitui, was upheld.

Tu’ula did not fulfill the requirement of rendering village service or monotaga in three consecutive years.

The minister of justice, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, retains the Lotofaga seat, returning unopposed after her motion to disqualify her only opponent, Fiaola Iosua Lole, because of a criminal conviction, was granted.

In another case, Supreme Court granted a motion by the former MP for Aleipata Itupa i luga, Amituanai Fagaivalu Kendrick Samu, to disqualify his only opponent, Leo’o Tautalatasi Dr John Adams, over the village service requirement.

The constituency of Satupa’itea has re-elected its former MP, Lautafi Fio Selafi Purcell, who was the only nominated candidate.

Meanwhile Tuila’epa says the HRPP has already secured eighteen seats because the opposition Tautua Samoa party has no candidates in eighteen of the 49 constituencies.

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