The 28 candidates who have filed challenges against winners of the April 9 general elections in Samoa have been revealed.
The ruling Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) and the Faatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) Party face challenges in 14 constituencies each.
In three, losing candidates of HRPP are taking their winning fellow party members to court.
This has never happened before and it’s understood that the HRPP leader, caretaker Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, had urged members running in the same electorate not to sue each other after April 9.
For Savaii, Gagaemauga 1 election night winner and now deputy leader of FAST Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio is facing a challenge from La’afou Manase.
Challenges are also levelled at the winner of the Vaisigano 1 election, FAST candidate Niuava Eti Malolo, by former Agriculture Minister Lopao’o Natanielu Mu’a.
In Falealupo, the winner, first time MP Leota A’eau Tima Leavai faces a challenge from FAST candidate Fuiono Tenina.
Other challenges are in Salega 1 and Palauli 1 on Savaii.
In Upolu HRPP Deputy Leader Lauofo Fonotoe Nuafesili Pierre Lauofo has been challenged by Toomata Nora Leota In Anoamaa 2.
There are also election petitions in Vaimauga 1 and 3 constituencies as well as at Faleata 1.
Also facing challenges are election winners for the Sagaga 1, 2 & 4 electoral constituencies.
At the electoral constituency of Falelatai and Samatau, former ASG Acting Director of Youth and Women Affairs, Pa’u Roy Ausage, is challenging election winner, former CEO of the Electric Power Corporation,Lupematasila Tile.
A challenge has also been filed by losing HRPP candidate Su’a Tanielu Su’a, a former fisheries biologist at DMWR, against election winner and FAST candidate Masinalupe Makesi Masinalupe.
According to a statement from the CEO of the Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration, Moliei Simi Va’ai, the challenges cite treating and bribery as well as providing transport for voters.
Challenges will be heard in the Supreme Court in Apia next Tuesday, May 4, 2021.
