2 Nov 2015

Former Samoa speaker to stand election after ban lifted

4:52 pm on 2 November 2015

Samoa's former Parliamentary speaker, Leota Leulua'iali'i Itu'au Ale, intends running in the Vaimauga West in next year's election.

Samoa’s former Parliamentary speaker, Leota Leulua’iali’i Itu’au Ale

Samoa’s former Parliamentary speaker, Leota Leulua’iali’i Itu’au Ale Photo: RNZI / Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia

The 70-year-old has confirmed he will stand after the Lands and Titles court ruled he can return to the Solosolo village council.

Leota, who is one of the high ranking village chiefs, had been banished for six years from participating in village council meetings or other village activities.

The former MP, who has held the Vaimauga West seat previously, had brought and then withdrew legal action against the council after his house and other family properties had been deliberately burnt.

Meanwhile, the Solosolo village council is meeting this week to consider its position in the wake of the court decision.