22 Aug 2011

Tautua Samoa former leader faces bribery charges in criminal court

7:07 am on 22 August 2011

The former leader of the Tautua Samoa opposition party, Vaai Papu Vailupe, is facing thirteen bribery charges in the district court in Apia.

In May, Vaai was found guilty of corruption in the Electoral court as a result of an election petition.

The latest charges resulted from allegations in the petition by a general election candidate, Tufuga Gafoaleata Faitua, who won the seat, held by Vaai in last month's by-elections.

Vaai is accused of giving money to voters.

Vaai's sister, Foilagi Masoe, according to court documents, is also facing thirteen counts of bribery.

She is accused of giving money to voters of Vaisigano number one constituency to vote for the party.

Meanwhile a former ruling party MP, Moefaauo Lufilufi, is also facing charges of four counts of bribery relating to illegal practices in the general election in March.

Both defendants and former politicians have not entered any pleas at this stage.