The new Speaker of the Samoa Parliament Papali’i Li’o Ta’eu Masipa’u of the Faatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi Party can now concentrate on controlling the House after a petition alleging corrupt practices against him was officially withdrawn last Friday in the Supreme Court.
Samoa Observer reports the elected member for the Faasaleleaga 3 electoral constituency had been challenged in court by incumbent Namulauulu Sami Leota of the Human Rights Protection Party claiming treating and bribery during the election campaign.
But last week Namulauulu published his intention to drop the electoral challenge against Papalii, saying the parties have agreed to settle their petitions.
The notice said that it is not in the best interest of justice to pursue the petition and wanted to ensure that peace and harmony was mainained within the electorate.
A similar notice was published by Papalii, a lawyer and former assistant Police Commissioner who was an MP for the then opposition Tautua Samoa Party between 2011 and 2016.
