Former Member of Parliament for Falealili No.1 Toelupe Poumulinuku Onesemo announced that his constituency will appeal the Electoral Court decision which found him guilty of one count of bribery.

The court also declared his election void and called for a by-election.

During a special announcement held at Level 4 of the Government Building on Monday afternoon, he said he has officially notified the Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt that he has stepped down as the Deputy Prime Minister and a Minister of Cabinet.

"My constituency decided to review this matter in court after this decision was delivered," he said.

"We questioned the decision, and that's all I can say.”

This will be the first electoral petition decision which has been challenged and appealed by a respondent.

Electoral Court decisions in Samoa regarding election petitions are considered final in many aspects. Still, under the Electoral Act 2019, they can be subject to appeal to the Court of Appeal, particularly on questions of law.