By-election as elected M.P. stands down
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The elected Member of Parliament for Sagaga No. 4, Tuisa Tasi Patea, has agreed to resign from parliament resulting in the second by-election following a post-election legal challenge.
The eleventh hour move from the Human Rights Protection Party (H.R.P.P.) M.P. follows the withdrawal of the petition lodged by his opponent Tagaloatele Paloa on Tuesday, the day of the trial.
Similarly, Tuisa has also agreed to drop his counter petition that alleged eight counts of bribery and treating against his rival.
Tagaloatele confirmed that the agreement between the parties is for Tuisa to resign, in exchange for agreeing to a by-election if he agreed to rescind his own.
A lawyer by profession, Tuisa, had been accused of six counts of bribery and two counts of influencing voters during April's polling day.
He is the fourth lawyer to be facing charges of engaging corrupt practices filed by their unsucessful rivals.
Lawyers found guilty of such illegal activities risk having their legal practice certificate revoked and consequently being disbarred.
Chief Justice, His Honour Satiu Simativa Perese and Justice Fepuleai Ameperosa Roma presided the case.
The lawyers have been instructed to advertise their intention to withdraw the parties petitions.
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