Samoa’s Chief Justice Satiu Simativa Perese has instructed that all matters relating to the April 9 General Election results will continue despite the dissolution of the results issued by the Head of State two days ago.
CJ Satiu issued a notice to all lawyers involved to continue their legal preparations for the petition hearings.
“The petitions and the matter of F.A.S.T. Party v A.G. and others, are matters of which the Supreme Court is seized,” he said.
According to the CJ, the court has issued a Practice Note directing that counter petitions together with the evidence relied on, be filed and served within five (5) working days of service of the petitions.
“Should any party wish to withdraw their petition, an application is required for leave to withdraw pursuant to the Electoral Petition Rules 1964.”
Meanwhile he assured that the matter between the FAST Party inle Atua Samoa and the Attorney General (acting on behalf of the Electoral Commissioner) and others will continue to be heard and a judgement will be issued in due course.
In related news, the Human Rights Protection Party in Samoa is not only dealing with external pressure to relinquish power following the April 9 General Elections, it’s also having to deal with reported defections from its ranks.
News of the defections started circulating after one member who is challenging an HRPP winning candidate was apparently represented by the law firm engaged by the Faatuatua I le Atua Samoa ua Tasi party.
Sources said HRPP leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi told a candidates meeting yesterday that some members had gone to FAST.
He specifically asked if member for Aleipata itupa-I-luga, Tafua Maluelue, was present but he wasn’t.
Tafua, a two time MP, lost to another HRPP candidate, who was running in his first election.
No other names were mentioned but two other HRPP candidates are suing HRPP candidate winners.
