The Supreme Court has dismissed an election petition and counter petition between caretaker Minister of Agriculture, Lopao’o Natanielu Mu’a and election winner Niuava Eti Malolo after finding both parties could not prove their allegations beyond “reasonable doubt”.
The decision means Faatuatua I le Atua Samoa ua Tasi candidate Niuava retains the Vaisigano 1 electoral constituency seat he secured in the 9 April General Elections.
Samoa Observer reports that Lopaoo alleged four allegations of bribery and treating against Niuava arguing his rival was engaged in corrupt practices.
He also contended the FAST ‘roadshow’ was corrupt in offering monetary gifts to constituents.
Niuava responded with a counter petition alleging bribery against Lopaoo leading up to the April General Elections.
But the Supreme Court dismissed all allegations saying they did not meet the required standard of being proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Chief Justice, Satiu Simativa Perese and Justice Vui Clarence Nelson presided the case.
The decision means FAST retains its current lead in Parliament with 26 seats to HRPP’s 18.
