Electoral challenges for the constituencies of Anoama’a No. 2, Gagaemauga No. 1 and Safata No. 1 will commence in the Supreme Court on Wednesday. 

Out of the 28 electoral petitions that were filed after the 9 April 2021 general election, a total of 17 cases have been determined including those that were withdrawn, leaving 11 more yet to be ruled on. 

In the Anoama’a No. 2 seat, the former Deputy Prime Minister and deputy leader of the Human Rights Protection Party (H.R.P.P.), Lauofo Fonotoe Lauofo is being challenged by second runner Toomata Norah Leota. 

The legal challenge for the seat has divided the village of Solosolo with the council threatening to banish Toomata and her family if she did not withdraw her petition. 

Toomata contested under the Fa’atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (F.A.S.T.) party banner and had shown no sign of dropping the case against Lauofo who is a lawyer by profession.

Anoama’a No. 2 is made up of Saoluafata, Solaua, Fusi, Salelesi, Eva, Solosolo, Luatuanuu and Leusoalii.

Justice Lesatele Rapi Vaai and Justice Fepuleai Ameperosa Roma will preside over the electoral challenge for that district. 

Another petition has been filed by H.R.P.P. candidate, Laufou Alofipo Manase against the F.A.S.T. Member-elect for Gagaemauga No. 1, Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio. 

Tuala was dubbed the kingmaker who broke the 25-seats deadlock between the H.R.P.P. and the F.A.S.T. when he decided to join the new political party.

Like Lauofo he is a lawyer by profession, and after many unsuccessful attempts to enter the Parliament in the past, he finally came home in the April general election. 

Lawyers who are facing electoral challenges face the risk of losing their practicing license if the Court finds them guilty of corrupt practices. 

Two lawyers that are elected M.Ps and contested under H.R.P.P. banner had agreed to resign from office to save their career. 

The Gagaemauga No. 1 petition will be called before the Chief Justice, His Honour Satiu Simativa Perese and Justice Vui Clarence Nelson. 

The third petition on the list for trial on Wednesday is a matter between elected M.P. for Safata No. 1, Nonu Lose Niumata and Laumatiamanu Mathew Purcell. 

Laumatiamanu, a F.A.S.T. candidate was unable to fight off Nonu, who was able to defend his seat for the second consecutive term in parliament following the recent election. 

Justice Niava Mata Tuatagaloa and Justice Tafaoimalo Leilani Tuala-Warren will be presiding over that case.