10 Aug 2006

Samoa Supreme Court reserves decision in last election petition case

10:58 am on 10 August 2006

Samoa's Supreme Court has reserved its decision over the last election petition by the Samoa Party leader, Su'a Rimoni Ah Chong, against Minister of Broadcasting and Telecommunications, Mulitalo Siafausa Vui.

The final submissions were presented in court yesterday as were final submissions by the petitioner who was representing himself after sacking his lawyer last week.

Five cases were filed after the election in March alleging bribery and treating.

Counter allegations of the same were also filed against the petitioners.

Allegations of corrupt practices were also filed against the Electoral Commissioner and his office.

Meanwhile, the daughter of a former MP whose seat was declared void when he was found guilty of bribery and treating will be running in the up-coming by-election to be announced soon.

The former MP Pa'u Sefo Pa'u's daughter, Letoa Rita Chang, will stand for the ruling Human Rights Protection Party.