14 Jul 2008

Samoan independents form party to be registered as company

1:14 pm on 14 July 2008

12 independent MPs in Samoa have named their political group as Tautua Samoa party or TSP.

The MPs will now formalise the party by selecting an interim leader and a deputy.

Our correspondent says the party name won't be registered under the requirements of the standing orders and the Electoral Act.

The TSP is expected to instead register under the Companies Act to become a legal organisation while possibly failing to be accepted and recognised in parliament.

The Electoral Commissioner's office says a political party can be registered with the signature of 100 supporting members.

However, a senior electoral officer says the 12 independent MPs could lose their seats if the party registers in line with the Electoral Act.