26 Apr 2016

Samoan lawyer to face election bribery charges

3:45 pm on 26 April 2016

A lawyer in Samoa who had run unsuccessfully against the police minister and a Tautua Party candidate in last month's election will stand trial after he denied nine charges, including bribery and treating.

Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio is facing the allegations in a private prosecution brought against him by five complainants who were committee members and voters of Gaga'emauga number one constituency.

But the court has granted leave for Tuala's application to quash the charges.

The defendant will appear again for re-mention of his case in a week.

Meanwhile, the Electoral Commissioner's office has filed charges of making a false declaration against four election candidates.

The four are Le Tagaloa Pita, Tuula Kiliri, Leo'o John Adams and Taula Faulaau Taula Sini.