The Samoa Supreme Court has found proof of allegations of Illegal activities relating to a Faatuatua I Le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) Party roadshow at the village of Solosolo in the Anoamaa 2 electoral constituency.
In its decision delivered today, the court found that under section 100(2) of the Electoral Act, the petitioner is guilty of illegal practice “for the seven envelopes of cash given to the villages of Leusoalii, Luatuanu’u, Salelesi, Eva, Fusi, Saoluafata and Solosolo”.
The decision also dismissed the petition by Faatuatua I le Atua Samoa ua Tasi Party candidate, Toomata Norah Leota who lost the April 9 General Elections to incumbent Lauofo Fonotoe Lauofo of the Human Rights Protection Party.
A counter petition by Lauofo claiming illegal treating and bribery by Toomata was also dismissed.
However the court found that Toomata was guilty of illegal activities during the FAST roadshow under section 100(2) of the Electoral Act.
Counsel for Toomata said she is not disqualified for running again in any future elections.
Lauofo, a lawyer by profession, is a former deputy Prime Minister and was recently voted deputy party leader.
The court’s decision brings the total number of members representing HRPP to 19 with the FAST party still leading with 26 seats.
