26 May 2006

Samoa Court of appeal rejects leave to appeal election ruling

6:14 pm on 26 May 2006

The Court of Appeal in Samoa has rejected an appeal in an election case.

It has left the case with a decision by the supreme court which ruled that an election petition by the former Minister of police was filed on time.

The Supreme Court had ruled that the former minister's petition was filed within the period of seven days provided in the Electoral Act.

Legal arguments during the proceedings were whether the Court of Appeal has jurisdiction to hear an appeal against a Supreme Court decision regarding election cases.

But the decision today by the Court of Appeal has also rejected applications by lawyers for special leave to cross appeal against the same Supreme Court decision May the 11th.

Meanwhile, the remaining five election petitions will continue to be heard in court.