22 Aug 2006

Samoa considers law change after minister's bribery conviction

1:41 pm on 22 August 2006

Samoa's ruling Human Rights Protection Party is looking at amending the section of the electoral act which deals with the making of o'o or traditional giving of money and food before a general election.

This comes after last week's Supreme Court ruling which found the broadcasting minister, Mulitalo Siafausa Vui, guilty of bribery because of his o'o at Vaimoso, a village outside of Fa'asalele'aga number four constituency.

The Prime Minister, Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi, says the ruling has shocked many, including him.

Tuila'epa has full support of the decision and the independence of the judiciary system but says the court ruling would allow parliament to amend the electoral act.

He says the proposed amendment coincides with the Commission of Inquiry currently looking at possible changes to the act as a result of many irregularities after this year's election.